Issue 2587
Today’s thought
“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that receives it.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Clam Chowder Day!
On this day in history: 1836 – Samuel Colt is granted a United States patent for his revolver firearm. Do you travel with a firearm? If so, you need this.
Tip of the day
DC to DC charger: Does your RV need one?
By Dave Helgeson
What is a DC to DC charger and should my RV be equipped with one?
Before that question can be answered, you will need to understand what a DC to DC charger is and what functions it performs. Many of you reading this use an autoformer to assure the incoming shore power is at the proper voltage for your RV. As most of you know, low shore power voltage can damage the compressor in your air conditioning system and/or residential refrigerator, or cause a host of other problems. An autoformer adjusts, or what some say “conditions,” the voltage to the ideal level for your RV. A DC to DC charger functions much the same way as an autoformer by conditioning the 12 volts from your alternator to the ideal charging voltage for your house batteries. Continue reading.
Ask Dave
Is there an RV battery monitor that works?
By Dave Solberg
Dear Dave,
I recently put my rig in storage and within two weeks, the house batteries went dead and the disconnect switch was OFF. Prior to storage, I was plugged into shore power at a park where my battery charge lights showed full charge. Apparently, they must show full charged when plugged into shore power. Is there a “meter” that I can connect to the batteries which would show their actual charge? Something that I could mount in the rig to check the charge. Thanks. —Michael, 2017 Forest River Georgetown Read Dave’s answer.
Video of the day
Tips for RV shopping at RV shows
By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, Josh the RV Nerd has some practical advice you should check out before buying an RV at an RV show. Josh covers one of the most important points anyone going to RV shows needs: How to recognize a good RV dealer from a lazy RV dealer.
Featured article
Blast off with Harvest Hosts: Stay at these 3 great aviation and space museums
By Cheri Sicard
Come along as we count down to adventure and education at three terrific aviation and space museums where you can spend the night in your RV as a Harvest Hosts member. … A lot of RVers stubbornly hang on to the misconception that Harvest Hosts is all about wineries, but that’s only a small part of the variety of experiences awaiting Harvest Host members. These three great stops for space and aviation buffs of all ages make terrific examples.
Reader poll
Do you remember the address of the home where you spent your childhood?
Quick tip
Hung up on trash bag storage? Hang ’em up!
If you carry rolls of plastic garbage bags or kitchen trash bags, here’s a “hack” to take advantage of empty wall space in a cabinet or other area. Grab a pair of suitably-sized curtain rod hangers and a piece of wooden dowel. Cut the dowel to fit the width of your rolled bags, stuff the dowel through it, then screw in place the curtain rod holders to hold your new bag-roller. Thanks to amzgtrvl.com for the tip.
Website of the day
The Most Beautiful Photo We Could Find of Every U.S. National Park
They’re not lying—these photos are stunning! Trust us, you’ll want to visit every single one of these parks after looking through these.
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Brilliant idea! This will save you time, money, and coveted storage space. Not to mention it’s perfect for RVers and their small… Well, you’ll see. Check it out.
And the survey says…
We’ve polled RVtravel.com readers more than 5,000 times in recent years. Here are a few things we’ve learned about them:
• 76 percent of people do not have any bumper stickers on their RV or tow vehicle
• 59 percent let their pets sleep on their bed with them at night
• Only 8 percent mail postcards to friends or family very often. 59 percent can’t recall mailing a postcard in years. You should—it’s fun!
Recent poll: Did you pay to have your current RV professionally inspected before buying it?
Trivia
Poison dart frogs, highly toxic frogs found in Central and South America, are not poisonous when raised in captivity. That’s right, the frog’s toxicity is derived from their diet (ants, termites, plants, etc.), so when they’re not fed the same diet, the frogs never build up a reserve of the toxins they excrete.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Our 9-year-old Georgia Moonpie (Golden Retriever) loves to swim at her pool in Florida and Lake Chatuge in NC. She is also an avid RVer and always ready for a trip out west. She never travels without her hat! Here she is ready to go!” —Don Reynolds
Send us a photo of your pet with a short description. We publish one each weekday in RV Daily Tips and in our Sunday RV Travel newsletter. No blurry photos, please! Please do not submit your photo more than once. Thanks!
Leave here with a laugh
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RVtravel.com All-Star Team
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We put the roll of role bags in the bottom of the garbage can so they’re always there.
Plus, it doesn’t take up any other usable space.
It was standard for us to use in the restaurant business. Still a great idea that we employ in the RV!
Those rolls are quite heavy and hangers in the picture look strained, especially being attached to flimsy RV walls or cabinets. Then you pull on them … I don’t think so. We just stand our roll under the sink.
This is a great idea Gary – not sure I could do that however, as I have a trash compactor. No garbage as such goes into it. The compression cycle would probably crush the roll. (?) Might have to try this! Also, I recycle virtually everything possible so very little trash – mostly daily junk mail and wrappers etc.. Small garbage goes into a garbage disposal and large stuff and bones get frozen in a bag then to the curb for p/u. In the motor home I have one of those bag holder things (Save-a-Bag?) mounted to the inside of the under sink cabinet door.
Except for the home in NY the answer is yes I know and have visited each home I have lived in. Wonder if someone else can say the same?
I have tried over the years but have found that two of them have been torn down.
“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that receives it.” ―Edith Wharton
Edith missed the third way that is even better. Be the Fresnel Lense that amplifies and brightens it! 😉😁
I like that, Mikal! Thanks! Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
I can remember 2 out of the approximately 8 homes my family lived in before I graduated from high school.
Does she wear the hat too? Goldens are such sweeties & beautiful!
Re: Laugh of the Day. It’s simple. The best ones are kittyatricians. (Not that our cats agree with that. Do you know what they stick under your tail??!!)
Georgia Moonpie is adorable, Don! May you have many, many delightful RV trips together. Thank you, Emily and Diane! Have a great day and safe travels!