Happy New Year, readers and friends!
We are so excited to share another year with you. Thank you so very much for continuing your journey with us. If you weren’t here, we wouldn’t be here!
If you missed Sunday’s RV Travel newsletter, make another cup of coffee and read it here. It’s filled with all our best stories from 2024 (and we mean FILLED!).
Today’s thought
“The object of a New Year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul and a new nose; new feet, a new backbone, new ears, and new eyes.” —G.K. Chesterton
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is 2025! 365 sunsets to go! (It’s also National Hangover Day AND National Bloody Mary Day!)
On this day in history: 45 B.C. – The Julian calendar takes effect as the civil calendar of the Roman Empire, establishing January 1 as the new date of the new year.
Tip of the day
Amazing Google Earth feature allows you to accurately measure campsites, parking spaces, more
A while ago we reposted this tip by Dave Helgeson, which explained an easy way to use Google Earth to measure a campsite before arriving—making sure your RV, car, toys, etc., will fit.
Well, here’s an updated tip from reader Terry K., who wrote in and said:
“Dave Helgeson mentioned using Google Earth scale to measure a campsite. Just wanted to pass along an even better feature in Google Earth. The Ruler function. It allows you to actually measure the site by placing two points where you want them. Works in both desktop and mobile versions.” Continue reading to see how this works—it’s amazing!
RV review
These are Far-Out Campers—a truck camper for adventurers
By Tony Barthel
Today’s RV review is of the Far-Out Campers, a rather unique take on the pickup camper for full-sized pickups. Far-Out Campers makes a variety of lengths of their camper for just about any full-sized pickup on the market. I will say this is definitely a camper for adventurous people rather than those looking for something luxurious. It lets you continue to use your pickup as a pickup. Continue reading.
Ask Dave
My Schwintek slide-out doesn’t have rollers. Is that a problem?
By Dave Solberg
Dear Dave,
Are there rollers under a Schwintek bedroom slide-out? I don’t see any on mine. Where can I obtain them? —Mike, 2021 Jayco 29MV Read Dave’s answer.
In the RV shop with Dustin
Essential RV water heater maintenance tips
By Dustin Simpson
Maintaining your RV water heater is crucial for its longevity and efficiency. In this simplified and informative article and video, we’ll cover essential tips and tricks to keep your Atwood water heater in top condition. We’ll also discuss the importance of using the correct drain plugs and anode rods to prevent damage. Continue reading.
Video of the day
Healthy RV cooking: 5 yummy make-ahead jar salads
By Cheri Sicard
It’s that time of year when everyone vows to eat healthier. The video below from Honeysuckle can help as it shows how to meal prep five tasty, healthy salads in advance. These salads are delicious any time of year, so check them out.
Featured article
RVing and campfires: Connecting, adapting, and embracing life’s simple pleasures
By Gail Marsh
It was one of the final campfires of the summer season. The weather cooled and, just like that, summer seemed to breathe its last hot sigh of relief. My thoughts drifted as I gazed into the fire. I thought about our RV adventures—both good and not-so-good—and concluded that in many ways RVing is like a campfire. What do you think?
Reader poll (and article)
Did you make a New Year’s resolution?
By Gail Marsh
The tradition of making New Year’s resolutions has a history spanning thousands of years. The practice has evolved significantly from its ancient origins to today. Will you make a New Year’s resolution? Respond here.
Helpful resources
• NATIONAL TRAFFIC AND ROAD CLOSURE INFORMATION
• ROAD AND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS ACROSS THE NATION
• WEATHER ALERTS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
• LATEST RV RECALLS
• DIRECTORY OF RV PARKS WITH STORM SHELTERS
• THE BEST RV TRIP PLANNER APPS AND TOOLS
• CURRENT WILDFIRE REPORT
• CURRENT SMOKE REPORT
Did you buy a lemon RV? Here’s more about RV lemons and lawyers who will represent you if you need help.
Quick tip
Easy stand for inline water filter
If you use an inline water filter to feed your in-bound water supply, keeping the filter canister out of the dirt can be a trial. Here’s a trick: A rubber safety cone, cut with a sharp knife to accommodate the canister, is both lightweight and goof-proof. Since highway workers frown on us using their cones, you can find a variety on Amazon.
On this day last year…
- Tip: Health and driving skills are related. How to keep them sharp in the new year
- Ask Dave: Got lithium batteries with used coach; they’re dead. BMS Bluetooth doesn’t work. Now what?
- Video: Quick, easy, and healthy RV breakfasts: Overnight oats 6 ways
- Featured article: The story of America’s most-loved roadside attraction… and a testimony to the power of ice water!
Website of the day
New Year’s Traditions From Around the World
Do you know why, and in what countries, folks make noise at midnight? Do you know what foods are lucky? What do other countries “pop” other than champagne? All that and more.
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
This is serving up something we love! Want to get in better shape for the new year? Enjoy playing games? Well, this is something you can do right at your campsite and you’re guaranteed to have fun while doing it!
Recipes to kick off the new year:
- Make your kitchen feel like a fancy restaurant with these New Year’s Eve (Day) recipes
- 4 healthy recipes that you’d never know are healthy
- 6 super salad recipes for a healthier you
- 5 steak recipes to elevate your next meal
Trivia
In the 1920s, Americans saved Ecuador’s economy by consuming millions of Eskimo Pies (now called Edy’s Pie). Yup, that’s right! In the 1920s, Ecuador went through its own depression and was in need of a massive infusion of money. At the same time in the U.S., the Eskimo Pie was invented. (If you’re unfamiliar, that’s an ice cream treat covered in chocolate.) By 1922, Americans were consuming so many Eskimo Pies that global cocoa prices were driven up 50 percent. Since Ecuador was, at the time, the world’s largest cocoa exporter, they received enough money to lift the entire country out of its depression.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Vada is our sweet and very loving American Brittany Spaniel who just loves to RV! Whether we’re driving, whether we’re taking our walks on our trips, whatever we’re doing, she’s so happy to go. This picture shows her looking out of the window when we’re bringing home the RV to pack up ready to go on another great adventure with her!” —Brian Doc Burry
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
Today’s weather forecast across the nation
Visit Current National Radar Weather Map
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RVtravel.com All-Star Team
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Why was the Eskimo Pie renamed?
To be politically correct.
More Cancel Culture… @@
“Woke” politics.
Ask Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben.
Klondike bars.
Klondike Bars have always been Klondike Bars Ken. Eskimo Pies however were rebranded as Edy’s Pies for “culture sensitivity”!
The Eskimos all feel way better now, just ask any Eskimo and they will tell you how tremendously offended they were before the rebrand. Now we can get on with important stuff like renaming the Eskimo kiss.
Vada – nothing like the look of Anticipation of a new adventure, in a New Year! Don
Today I donated twice of what I have in the past. Hopefully it will help get rid of those annoying pop up ads!
Happy New Years to all
Snoopy
Thank you for your generosity, Snoopy aka Dave. We appreciate it, and YOU, very much! Yep, if more than 6% of our readers voluntarily contributed, we wouldn’t need so many pop-up ads. Just sayin’.🫤 Have a great day, and a healthy and happy 2025! 🤗 –Diane
Referencing Today’s weather forecast it would not be a good day to be travelling the northern part of I-15.
A traffic cone?
More crap to carry and weigh down the rig
How about a bungee cord cord around the wheel or bumper . Anywhere to keep it off the ground
Ya, no kidding. Too much stuff!
I put a 6 inch flexible hose extension on my filter and screw that right on tne faucet. My filter never comes anywhere near the ground.
I’ve used the traffic cone for my water filter assy for 15 years or more. It is a necessary safety device, does double duty and it’s lite weight too! What could be better? They are also inexpensive and available on Amazon and at Menard’s as well as others – easy to replace if required.
What a sweet and beautiful dog, Brian. And she certainly has perfect posture! Just look at that straight back! (I wish mine were so straight!)😉 What a joy she must be to travel with. I hope you have many more years traveling with Vada. Have a healthy and terrific 2025! 🤗 –Diane
Thank you, Emily and Diane! 🙂 My, my, my, Vada has great balance! 🙂 Happy new year and safe travels! 🙂