Issue 2546
Today’s thought
“Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard are sweeter.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Bacon Day!
On this day in history: 1902 – The Discovery Expedition under Robert Falcon Scott reached the “Farthest South” mark at 82°17′S in Antarctica.
Tip of the day
Know your plugs: 50A vs. 30A RV hookups—When 50–30 doesn’t equal 20!
By Andrew Herrick, The RV Engineer
I forgive you for thinking that 50–30 = 20, since that’s what we were all taught in elementary arithmetic. But when it comes to RV electric hookups, there’s a big difference between 30-amp (30A) and 50-amp (50A) power. Did you know a 50A hookup supplies more than three times as much power as a 30A hookup?
There are four common plugs/receptacles used for RV hookups: two for 30A, and two for 50A. Each amperage has a “straight” and a “twist-lock” version. Oftentimes, you’ll find twist-lock plugs on the RV itself and straight receptacles on the campground power pedestal. (A plug, by the way, has prongs; a receptacle has slots.)
The straight 30A receptacle is a NEMA TT-30, which looks like this… Continue reading.
RV review
2025 Grand Surveyor 275FKBS—a double thumbs-up kitchen
By Tony Barthel
Today’s RV review is of the Grand Surveyor 275FKBS, a longer travel trailer with a front kitchen that has some features traveling couples might appreciate. There have been a number of updates to this line since we looked at them last, all of which are purportedly a direct result of customer input. That’s not a bad idea. Continue reading.
Ask Dave
Looking to buy a 24′ motorhome. What do you advise?
By Dave Solberg
Dear Dave,
I am 73 and my wife is 69. We are retired and ready to hit the road. I want to travel for a once-a-month long weekend, and for a couple of 2-3 week trips for the next 5-6 years. I have done hours of research and have fallen in love with the Navion. We have about a $90,000 budget to purchase one. However, after reading the many articles in RVtravel.com, I am concerned about the Sprinter versions and the V6 turbo diesels… —Phil
Read the rest of Phil’s question and Dave’s excellent advice.
In the RV shop with Dustin
Understanding RV roof resealing: Everything you need to know
By Dustin Simpson
Are you puzzled about what a roof reseal entails for your RV? Look no further! In this video, we delve into the critical importance of RV roof resealing, covering everything from common issues caused by inadequate sealing to the meticulous process of resealing. Learn more.
Video of the day
Watch this BEFORE buying the MORryde RV door latch extender
By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, our favorite RV gearhead, Joshua from RV Gear & Far, discusses an RV door latch extender, one of his favorite RV accessories. Joshua loves this gadget’s functionality. However, he encountered issues with his MORryde extender. Here’s why.
The latest news for RVers
- Federal authorities investigating Grand Design frame flex concerns
- Congress clears way for permit-free filming in national parks
- November sales slump: RV manufacturers struggle amid slower market demand
- Love’s expands Missouri network with additional RV hookup facilities
- Roadtrippers unveils “Trending Spots” feature and 2025 off-season travel destinations
To read more recent news, click here.
Featured article
A poem from a reader. Our favorite RVtravel.com testimonial!
Reader Dianne Belk submitted this poem to us and we, for obvious reasons, smiled the whole way through. We had to share it (for a second time) with all of you. You don’t want to miss this.
Reader poll
Do you most often eat your meals on a regular schedule or just when you are hungry?
Quick tip
Foam cushions need cleaning? Here’s how
Here’s advice from Walnut Ridge Family RV Sales to refresh smelly cushions: “Simply take the cushion covers off the foam and wash those according to the directions. Lay the foam cushions on the driveway or yard on top of an old sheet or blanket. Sprinkle baking soda liberally onto one side of the cushions and allow to sit for a few hours in the sun before flipping over and repeating. After a few more hours in the sun you will want to get as much of the baking soda off as possible. The best way I’ve found is simply by shaking and beating the powder off. A vacuum is of little use on foam. Next, fill a spray bottle with half vinegar and half water and mist both sides of the cushions. Once again, let sit in the sun until completely dry.”
Website of the day
Travel Wyoming: Things to Do
The official Wyoming tourism website is great for finding things to do, trip itineraries, food and drink options, and much more.
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
Have a dog or a cat that comes RVing with you? Then you might want to consider one of these. It could save your pet’s life one day; you never know…
Recipes of the day
Next-level BLT recipes for National Bacon Day
These recipes are not your average BLT sandwiches. No way! We have six twists on the classic here: a BLT pizza, a BLT salad, BLT dip and, yes, a couple of sandwiches… but not your average sandwiches, remember! Check these out and celebrate National Bacon Day the way it was meant to be celebrated—with bacon!
Trivia
Mount Rushmore is predicted to erode 1 inch every 10,000 years.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Bella (Corgi mix) was a rescue that we later found had a heart murmur. She had one unsuccessful surgery to correct the problem and another surgery at NC State, where she was finally fixed. She’s now 14 years old and travels with us everywhere we go. She has been a blessing to us.” —Craig Miller
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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Bella – you are a beautiful traveling companion! Keep em rolling down the road..don
Read your comment on the v6 Mercedes diesel. We are an animal rescue with a 2015 sprinter v6 diesel,195,000 miles and while it is basically a good vehicle the emissions system has been a nightmare. Yes they SEEM to have fixed most issues but had we not paid the big bucks for the extended warranty we would have been screwed. My understanding is that they discontinued the v6 and replaced it with a high output 4cyl. My background is 50+ years in heavy duty truck repair.
Was wondering if someone has looked into the fire blankets at all? Good for RV ?? Do they really work??
Yes they work….you should keep one close to the stove….better than cleaning up the fire extinguisher mess.
Well we just bought a 4-pack. We have 2 TTs and a house. The 4th became a gift for our daughter’s home. All the videos look very promising, but I hope I never have to find out how effective the blanket might be. We will also keep our traditional fire extinguishers up to date.
Regarding Bella’s heart surgery, I’m supposing this was not inexpensive. I’ve often wondered just where do you draw the line dollar wise when your pet/beloved companion needs medical attention. I had to make the “tough decision” several times and it came down to whether we’re keeping the pet alive for us or for them. I believe that once a pet is suffering it’s time to let them go
Truly one of the toughest decisions one has to make. I agree with your decision criteria.
Comment on Quick Tip on cleaning foam cushions: Don’t wash those covers until after the foam has been cleaned. You want the covers to still be damp when you try to reinsert the foam. The cloth covers may shrink a little as they dry making it more difficult to get the foam in and rezipper. After the foam is reinserted, the best way to dry is outside on a sunny slightly breezy day.
That was my first question Jim; how to get the foam back in the covers. Your advice sounds reasonable as they are much harder to work with dry. Thanks for your comment!
An upholsterer told us to wrap the foam in a thin sheet of batting, the kind used to make quilts. They slip back into the cover very well.
Thanks Brenda – another idea. I wonder do you leave the batting on – seems it would be difficult to remove once installed in the cover. ?
Bella is so sweet and precious and whatever her surgery cost was worth every single penny. Our puppy at nine weeks old tried to crawl up out of a 3 foot enclosure metal fence and hit her eye on an exposed Screw, fell on her head got a concussion and rushing her to the vet, we had to have special drugs so the brain wouldn’t swell. Then a special eye surgery and yes, it was expensive over $6000. That dog lived another 13 precious years of love it was worth every penny as well!❤️🐶
Thanks, Brian. My adult son (lives next door) had just broken up with a girlfriend several years ago and was kinda down. He acquired a Rottweiler puppy shortly thereafter from a friend whose dog had a litter, as soon as Duke could leave his mom. A week or two later Duke started appearing sick. Turned out to be Parvo. I couldn’t stand the thought of my son losing his new puppy, especially since it was bringing him so much joy after the breakup. I, very willingly and without a second thought, spent $8,000+ to save Duke’s life (which was touch-and-go for quite awhile). Yep, worth every penny, and even more so since it was an investment in both Duke’s and my son’s lives. Have a great day, and a terrific 2025! 😀 –Diane
Thank you, Emily and Diane! Congratulations on Bella’s health, Craig. May you have many more joyous RV trips! The mystery product looks promising, especially given the current (14:27, EST, 2jan25) discount. Happy new year and safe travels! 🙂