Issue 2578
Today’s thought
“You normally have to be bashed about a bit by life to see the point of daffodils, sunsets and uneventful nice days.”—Alain de Botton
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Plum Pudding Day!
On this day in history: 1963 – Construction begins on the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri.
Tip of the day
An RV tech’s 7 tips to diagnose RV furnace vibration
By Andrew Herrick
‘Tis the season for hot chocolate, road salting, God-it’s-not-even-March-yet?, and RV furnace vibration. If your furnace sounds like a toddler throwing a tantrum inside of a toolbox, it’s time to peek under the proverbial hood. A noisy furnace is calling for help.
You might need a professional RV technician, like me, to fix the problem—or you might not! Many causes of a vibrating or shaking RV furnace can be solved with a little DIY sleuthing and basic hand tools.
Ask Dave
Can I plug my RV fridge into a garage outlet to cool it before a trip?
By Dave Solberg
Dear Dave,
I have 50-amp service. I have a Norcold 4-door refrigerator/freezer with an icemaker. Model 1210IM. If I take the refrigerator plug that goes into a receptacle and unplug and plug into an extension cord directly, and plug into a 20-amp receptacle on my house, would I be able to get my refrigerator cold? I would not be plugging the coach in at all. Or would I still need to have 50 amps to cool the fridge? —Bob, 2022 Winnebago Vista 35N Read Dave’s answer.
In the RV shop with Dustin
All about RV water heater anode rods
By Dustin Simpson
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the essential RV water heater maintenance steps, focusing on the often-overlooked anode rod. Whether you’re a seasoned RV owner or new to the world of RVing, understanding how to inspect and maintain your water heater will help you extend its lifespan and ensure hot water on all your travels. Learn more here.
Video of the day
The most common travel trailer buyer mistakes
By Cheri Sicard
In today’s video, Randi of Randi’s Adventures outlines the most common travel trailer-buying mistakes consumers make. If you’re currently on the hunt for a new or used travel trailer, watching the video could save you money and aggravation.
Psst: Don’t like watching videos? Cheri always writes an article to go along with it!
Featured article
World’s largest Lego travel trailer is sight to behold
This is not a little toy, if that’s what you’re thinking. It’s a full-sized travel trailer made of Legos – yes, Legos, the same things that children worldwide use as toys. It’s certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest creation of its kind. Watch it being built in this short video. (You won’t believe it’s Legos—it looks real!)
Reader poll
In good weather, do you sleep with your RV’s window(s) open or closed?
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
Include metric when measuring your RV’s height
After reading an earlier tip recommending all RVers know the height of their rig, reader Bill L. added this sage advice: “Make sure to note the height you measured in feet and inches (USA) AND in meters (Canada, Mexico). To convert feet to meters multiply by 0.3048. You only have to calculate this number once if you post it on your windshield. If you see a sign in Canada that says 3.8 meters, you might be in trouble if your rig is 13’ or taller! (13’ is 3.96m).” Thanks, Bill!
On this day last year…
- Ask Dave: What kind of battery, inverter, or generator do I need for a few nights “off grid” in camper?
- RV review: The Barclay travel home—Unique, luxury living way off the grid
- Video: How to get rid of and prevent black streaks on an RV
- Featured article: Great expectations: Revisiting places that aren’t as you remember them
Website of the day
50 Romantic Valentine’s Day Recipes for Staying in With Your Special Someone
Okay, lovebirds. Listen up. Valentine’s Day is just a few meals away, so it’s the perfect time to stock up on ingredients you may need to make that special someone a very special meal!
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
The most accurate, most hilarious, card we’ve ever seen. If this doesn’t speak volumes…
Recipes of the day
Recipes for your sweetheart: Valentine’s Day desserts
You and your special someone deserve a sweet treat on Friday, don’t you think? We put together these recipes that will certainly do the trick. Chocolate with strawberries, cherry cookies, raspberry bars, balsamic strawberry mousse, and more. Make sure you’re ready to celebrate on Friday! These will help.
Trivia
Nearly half (49%) of Americans say they plan to drink less alcohol in 2025, a 44% increase since 2023. The percentage of those who plan to cut back on alcohol consumption has been trending consistently upward over the last three years. In 2023, 34% of Americans planned to drink less. In 2024, it rose to 41%. —NCSolutions (NCS)
Readers’ pet of the day
“Bailey (Long-haired Dachshund) has been a full-time traveler since she was 8 weeks old. She never met anyone she didn’t like. Loves swimming and going to Starbucks. She is currently camp hosting outside Houston and will be in Branson for the summer.” —Karen Daines
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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Love Bailey’s vest!
Any follow up on drinking? Did they slow down , quit or forget about it
Here’s a link to the report, Thomas. I didn’t read it so don’t know if there’s an answer in there for you or not. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Late night Shopping Network, beware. If midnight drinking goes down, Network shopping may just go down too.
You may be right, Kelly. At least the “impulse” shopping might take a cut. I wouldn’t know, since I don’t drink or shop online, impulsively or otherwise.🫤 Have a good night.🤗 And don’t spend too much on the Shopping Network (unless it’s a Valentine’s Day present for your wife).😉 –Diane
I’d like to know where in Branson Bailey the Doxie will be?
Bailey is the Poster Child/Dog of why so many of RVers enjoy traveling with their precious pets🥰🐶 We enjoy traveling and we see how much our pets do as well😀
Thank you, Emily and Diane. DW knows it without me buying the mystery product for her. Bailey looks like a great campground host! Have a great day and safe travels!