Issue 2571
Today’s thought
“Under the giving snow blossoms a daring spring.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Carrot Cake Day!
On this day in history: 1959 – Rock and roll musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J. P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson are killed in a plane crash along with the pilot near Clear Lake, Iowa, an event later known as The Day the Music Died.
Tip of the day
The 9 best towel rack hacks
By Gail Marsh
Towel racks are unsung heroes in the world of storage and organization. This is especially true in an RV, where every inch of space counts. While their primary purpose is to hold towels, these handy bars can do so much more, especially with these hacks!
Whether you’re a full-time RVer or enjoy occasional weekend getaways, let’s explore the versatile ways a towel rack can be one of your best organizational tools.
RV review
Ford Transit Connect Nugget is a Euro cutie—Wish ya’ had one?
By Tony Barthel
Today’s RV review is of the 2025 Ford Transit Custom Nugget Camper Van, a smaller pop-top van-style camper and, sadly, you can’t have one. Well, I assume you can’t. Why? These are available only in Europe at the moment. Oh, well. I like seeing these European RVs now and then and hope you do, as well. Check it out.
Ask Dave
If wheel bearings are sealed, why do they need to be repacked every year?
By Dave Solberg
Dear Dave,
If the wheel bearings have been serviced and are sealed, why do some people say they need to be serviced very regularly? I have been pulling trailers of all kinds for years, and as long as there are no seals leaking, you’re good to go. Obviously, if there’s an issue or if you’re doing brakes, then I would, especially if the trailer sits a lot. What’s your take? Thank you. —Chris Read Dave’s answer.
In the RV shop with Dustin
The ultimate guide to RV dump valve lubricant
By Dustin Simpson
Maintaining your RV’s dump valves is crucial for ensuring a hassle-free and sanitary waste management system. In this guide, we’ll discuss the importance of using the right dump valve lubricant to keep your valves in top condition. Proper lubrication prevents sticking, reduces wear, and extends the lifespan of your dump valves. Continue reading to learn more.
Video of the day
The joys of RVing with a Lectric XP 3.0 electric bike
By Cheri Sicard
Let’s join Tommy and Gina of Two Traveling Teachers for a discussion of the joy of RVing with an electric bike. The couple says having their Lectric XP 3.0 electric bike along on their travels with their truck and travel trailer helps them make the most of their travels. Click here to watch and learn more.
The latest news for RVers
- Circle K mixes up fuel, leaving customers furious and stranded
- THOR unveils hybrid Class A motorhome with 500-mile range
- 2024 sees increased complaints about campsite availability
- Drive virtually through more than 3,350 campgrounds to find your perfect site
- California temporarily suspends controversial portable generator sales ban
To read more recent news, click here.
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Featured article
Backpack laundry bag – Perfect for traveling RVers
By Cheri Sicard
If your RV does not have a washer/dryer, and most of us do lack that luxury, how to store laundry becomes a problem, not to mention how to transport it to and from the laundromat. So far, my best solution has been this backpack laundry bag by Dalykate. Learn about this handy bag here.
Reader poll
Do you color your hair?
Quick tip
An easy way to convert kilometers to miles
By Ron Dalby
Driving to Alaska means you have to first drive through a large part of Canada, a real treat. However, Canada is a separate country with differing customs, and, for more than 50 years, uses the kilometers of the metric system instead of the miles that Americans are so familiar with. The basic thing to remember is that… Continue reading.
Website of the day
The 14 Best Places to Celebrate Black History Month
February is Black History Month. Spend the month learning more about this important part of our country’s history.
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
We bet almost exactly 50 percent of our readers will want this! We think it’s true!
Recipes of the day
Take a quick trip to Germany with these hearty German recipes
You don’t have to hop on a plane today to taste delicious German food. With these recipes, you can bring Germany straight to your kitchen! We have a few classics here: schnitzel, bratwursts, spaetzle, German potato salad, and also a German goulash and a wonderful German dessert. Check these out.
Trivia
There are 152,255 convenience stores operating in the United States, a slight dip from the 2024 store count (152,396), according to the 2025 NACS/NIQ TDLinx Convenience Industry Store Count.
The number of convenience stores that sell fuel is 121,852 stores, an increase of 1,791 stores selling fuel in 2024. Overall, convenience stores sell approximately 80% of the fuel purchased in the United States.
Texas continues to have the most convenience stores (16,416 stores), followed by California (12,169), Florida (9,732), New York (7,704), Georgia (7,053), Ohio (5,795), North Carolina (5,779), Michigan (4,986), Pennsylvania (4,819), and Illinois (4,735).
Readers’ pet of the day
“Moxie (Schnoodle) travels with us to Florida each year where we volunteer. Here, near Orlando, she is sitting on a lifeguard chair that we rebuilt and painted.” —Kelly Foster
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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That is why I avoid second rate gas stations. Unless it is a speedway or shell I will keep driving. As for hair coloring? I am hearing cancer warnings on that. Haven’t colored my hair in years. Waiting now for the grey to come in. Still nothing.
To be fair….Circle K had nothing to do with this…totally the fault of the tanker truck driver….who I suspect also delivers fuel to Speedway and Shell.
I remember the snow storm crash which claimed the life of Buddy Hollie et al as I was raised in Moorhead. Mn; (Across the Red River of the North from Fargo, ND). They were en-route from Clear Lake, IA to Moorhead, where they were to perform at the Moorhead Armory that nite. Sad day in this area! (There was a small chance of survival, except they hit a field fence line). As I recall it was a Beechcraft D-18 or a similar medium weight twin engine plane.
I was totally taken down the rabbit hole on the foldable Lectric e-bike. I’ve been looking for one to take on my travels, and I think this may be it! Thanks!
May you have many and safe travels with Moxie, Kelly! Thank you, Emily and Diane! Have a great week and safe travels!