Issue 2550
Today’s thought
“I regret that it takes a life to learn how to live.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day!
On this day in history: 1957 – The Hamilton Watch Company introduces the first electric watch.
Tip of the day
Water pressure regulators keep geysers out of your RV
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
As many as 2,000 people are on hand each time Yellowstone’s Old Faithful geyser pops off. You can bet a lot of them got there in their RVs. Geysers are fascinating—a lot of water under pressure, looking for an “out.” One place a geyser isn’t welcome is inside your RV. But water under pressure is always seeking an “out.” If there’s too much pressure, your RV plumbing could be that out. Using a water pressure regulator can hold down the stress, and keep your RV plumbing dry. Continue reading.
Ask Dave
What does the “Four Season” label on my truck camper include?
By Dave Solberg
Dear Dave,
My Snow River 810 camper says “Four Season” on the decals. I am assuming that this means the holding tanks are heated(?) and there is extra insulation(?). Unfortunately, I have been unable to obtain an owner’s manual so I cannot be sure of what I have. I keep the camper plugged in to AC so that I can use an Ironwood Air Dryer to control humidity. Twice recently I walked past the camper and heard the fan and felt air coming from the furnace vent. The furnace is turned off. I am wondering why the furnace fan is running. Malfunction? Or could this be part of the “Four Season” package? —Lynn, 2006 Snow River 810 pickup camper Read Dave’s answer.
[Note: We’re recycling this previous post, along with some helpful info from our readers in the comments, because Dave is goofing off and didn’t get a new post written for today. Just kidding! He’s stuck on a big project and ran out of time to write a new post. But this one is worth reading even if you read it before.]
In the RV shop with Dustin
Installing Roadmaster Tow Defender for ultimate towed vehicle protection
By Dustin Simpson
Join me “In The RV Shop” as I show you how to install the Roadmaster Tow Defender and explain what it does. The Tow Defender’s all-weather, heavy-duty screen deflects rocks, gravel and road debris down and away, protecting your towed vehicle’s finish, headlights and windshield against chips and dings. Continue reading.
Video of the day
Two fast and easy winter RV mods to help you stay warmer
By Cheri Sicard
Join Jared Gillis of All About RVs (one of the winners of our 2024 RV video awards) in the video below as he demonstrates two fast and easy RV mods to help you stay warmer when the temperatures dip. Check these out.
Featured article
We almost hit a bicyclist with our RV! Don’t be like us!
By Gail Marsh
It was a close call—a very close call! My husband and I were pulling our 39-foot fifth wheel RV with our dually, diesel truck. We were driving in the far-right lane because we intended to turn right at the upcoming stop sign. My husband signaled his intentions and we rolled to a complete stop. After both of us checked for cross traffic, my husband pulled out to make the right-hand turn. That’s when it happened—we almost hit a bicyclist with our RV! Continue reading.
You may have missed these recent popular stories…
- RVers on hanging up the keys: “It’s just not worth it anymore”
- This is my campground. It’s okay. Rating: 5 out of 10
- Federal authorities investigating Grand Design frame flex concerns
- RV spare parts you should always carry
Reader poll
Do you have a favorite place to camp that you return to often?
Quick tip
The pros of flat-towing
It just takes a minute to hook up the car for towing (plus a couple minutes of running the engine). We have a much better turn radius while flat towing versus the dolly. I’m not worried about our car falling off the tow dolly and smashing into someone. It’s less stressful knowing we have a Brake Buddy auxiliary braking system that will pump the brakes when we drive downhill and stop the car should it, for whatever reason, detach from the tow bar. Conclusion: Towing flat behind the RV is our clear winner, because we can’t think of any cons. From–Beginner’s Guide to Living in an RV: Everything I Wish I Knew Before Full-Time RVing Across America. Available on Amazon.
On this day last year…
- Tip: Can you both drive the RV home?
- Ask Dave: RV batteries aren’t charging while driving. What should I look for?
- RV review: Brinkley Model Z Air 295—a new travel trailer from Brinkley
- Video: RV repair tech reveals the worst RV slideout system and why he hates it
- Featured article: That stink in your RV is probably the unsuspected gray water tank
Website of the day
Exercise Plan for Seniors
Even if you’re not a senior, this page from healthline.com has a great, easy-to-follow workout plan everyone can benefit from (plus many more exercises as you scroll down the page).
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Pedal your way through 2025 with this amazing thing. This is a brilliant way to stay active, fit and (maybe) lose weight like magic—and you don’t have to step foot outside!
Recipes of the day
Lighter, healthier meals using ground turkey
Craving something meaty but want to keep it lighter and healthier than most meat-heavy meals? Try one of these yummy ground turkey recipes. You’ll thank us later. Get the recipes here.
Trivia
In Venezuela, where the Catatumbo River meets Lake Maracaibo, you’ll find one of the most electrically active places on Earth. About 300 nights out of the year, lightning strikes across the sky almost continually all night. Lightning flashes occur more than 500 times per square mile per year! Wow!
Readers’ pet of the day
“Meet Lucy. She is a rescue ‘Plastidor’ (from a yard sale) and has been with us on our travels for two years. Lucy loves to sit at the door and in camp and watch everyone go by. She especially loves to watch the squirrels! We get so many compliments about how well-behaved Lucy is and how she hardly ever barks, even if we leave her inside all day while we explore! She is the perfect travel companion for us!” —Ben Gohlke
Ha! A “Plastidor”! Now that’s funny, Ben!
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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The big problem with the Under Desk Pedal Exerciser (mystery product of the day) is after you tire of using it, it’s not convenient as a clothes rack.
🤣🤣🤣
But it makes a good place to store your shoes.
What a wonderful pup Lucy is!! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! She is the best!
I think Lucy is a Plastidoodle! Isn’t every dog some kind of “doodle” nowadays? 😉🙂
Thank you, Emily and Diane! Very jealous of your Lucy, Ben. She seems the antithesis of our dog, with the exception of barking, which he also does not do when left in the RV (based on watching and listening to him via a camera). May you and she have many joyous RV trips together! Happy new year and safe travels/walks! 🙂
Don’t know which turkey recipe to start with? But, i’ll try them all ! Yummy
Hate to say it but it would have been your fault. Didn’t use the mirrors? I drove a school bus for years and if you did not look you could hit something. Plus those bicyclists are pretty easy to miss and fast. Try driving Ann Arbor Michigan. Those pesky students just walk in front of cars without looking. Glad I moved out of there and away from the crazy. Good luck.
No one ignores stop signs or lights like bicylists do, except maybe pedestrians…..the ones most likely to be injured or killed.
Laugh of there day~ so funny and Lucy is adorable!
Lucy is plastic? LOL got me!
Down side of flat towing. You can’t back up.
Not a big deal.