Issue 2585
Today’s thought
“Laughter is wine for the soul – laughter soft, or loud and deep, tinged through with seriousness – the hilarious declaration made by man that life is worth living.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Sticky Bun Day!
On this day in history: 1885 – The newly completed Washington Monument is dedicated.
Tip of the day
RV lithium battery upgrades for beginners
By Cheri Sicard
What follows is my recent experience doing a lithium battery upgrade on my RV. Consider it a “lithium battery for newbies” article because that is what I was when I began this process.
While I had used lithium batteries in my portable power stations, I had never used them to power my RV.
I will be referencing LiTime batteries in this article as that is what I used for my upgrade. However, the process and extra equipment you will need to do an RV lithium battery upgrade will be the same regardless of which battery brand you choose. Continue reading this very thorough guide.
Ask Dave
Can I use a small battery jumper to extend and retract RV jacks?
By Dave Solberg
Dear Dave,
I will be moving my 5th wheel to another storage location that doesn’t have electricity available to charge the battery. What size of jump starter would you suggest to use for operating my stabilizers at the storage? —Dale, 2012 Sierra C Class 3440BH Read Dave’s answer.
If you’re in the area, be sure to attend Dave’s seminars at the Pennsylvania RV Supershow today through Sunday. You’ll be educated and entertained, guaranteed!
In the RV shop with Dustin
Cool Tools: The AWBLIN Automotive Test Light
By Dustin Simpson
Dave Solberg and I used to meet for a weekly livestream called “Talkin’ RV Tech.” We not only answered technical questions, but we also shared what we like to call “cool tools.” These are tools and gadgets that we actually use! We also believe they will be helpful to you. This clip captures one of our shares, the AWBLIN Automotive Test Light. Check it out.
Video of the day
Quick and easy blackout shade repair
By Cheri Sicard
Our own Tony Barthel of StressLess Camping shares a quick and easy fix for a common RV problem: a broken blackout shade handle. This RV repair is so quick and easy, it fits in a YouTube shorts video. Tony shows what the problem is when the blackout shade’s handle separates from the shade itself and how to fix it.
Featured article
What if vehicles had different horns for different things? This guy created just that
By Sandi Sturm
My husband, Wayne, does all the driving, so far, of the motorhome. On more than one occasion over the years he mentioned how he would like to have a special button to push on the horn to blast people into consciousness. Well, he used different words, but you know what I mean. This engineer came up with some great alterations for car horns. Each horn means something different, and they’re actually, dare I say, polite? Watch the video.
You may have missed these recent popular stories…
- RV show reflections: Can we trade gimmicks for quality, please?
- “I’m homeless, living in my RV because I can’t afford rent anywhere else”
- New catalytic converter device stops thefts. Brilliant concept
- Nearly 22,000 Grand Design RVs recalled for risk posed by faulty steps
Reader poll
Would you rather park next to barking dogs or noisy children?
Quick tip
Keep foreign objects out of toilet
“Keep the toilet lid closed to prevent foreign objects from falling into the toilet. It is a major job to retrieve anything from the holding tank.” —From Motorhomes Made Easy
On this day last year…
- Tip: How to conquer the fear of breaking down in remote areas
- Ask Dave: What is the best portable generator for my trailer, and the correct way to connect it?
- RV review: Renegade Classic 45CBF—the Big Daddy Rabbit of Super C motorhomes
- Video: Dealing with medical emergencies on the road while RVing
- Featured article: Has your RV refrigerator cooling unit gone bad?
Website of the day
Pinterest: Unusual RVs
Only click on the link if you have some time to spare because you’re going to want to be exploring this unusual RV Pinterest page for a loooong time.
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
If you’re not into this kind of stuff, you’re not going to like this. But if you ARE into this kind of stuff, you’re going to LOVE this! (We LOVE it!) Check it out and see.
Recipes of the day
Delightful and unique breakfast breads to start your day
Start your day with something delicious. Make one of these breakfast breads and you’ll have the whole campground sniffing their way to your breakfast table. We won’t give the recipes away, but let’s just say there’s an apple praline bread here… and an Earl Grey tea bread… and, well, you’ll see.
Trivia
There are 91 towns named “Washington” across the U.S.—the most popular town name. (BTW, there’s no city named “Washington” in the state of Washington, but there is a George, Washington.)
Readers’ pet of the day
“Purr and Hal are here supervising our pre-trip activities!” —Valerie Andersson
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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There’s no town of Washington in Washington…but there is a Mt Vernon.
We do have a town named George and also have a Martha Lake here in Washington
Congratulations to our northern brethren on an outstanding win in last night’s hockey game. Binnington absolutely stood on his head in OT. Well done, well played, great game.
Thank you, Emily and Diane! The laugh of the day seems pretty instructive, if not also mildly amusing. Have a great weekend and safe travels!
The picture that accompanied the “Quick tip: Keep foreign objects out of toilet” made me chuckle. Thanks for the laugh.
91 Washingtons in just 50 states? Almost half of the states have two towns named Washington? I don’t think that is allowed to happen. How confusing could that get? I’m from a town named Washington but only one in the State. Postal Facts says Franklin is the most common town name in the US. Just googled and there are 88 or 91 PLACES named Washington in the US – that I could buy – Washington river, park, lake, pub, …..