Issue 2588
Today’s thought
“If you never did you should. These things are fun and fun is good.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Pistachio Day! It’s also National Set A Good Example Day… so do that while you eat a pistachio!
On this day in history: 1919 – President Woodrow Wilson signs an act of Congress establishing the Grand Canyon National Park. AND in 1929, President Calvin Coolidge signs legislation establishing the 96,000 acres Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.
Tip of the day
Off-grid RV kitchen tips to extend time away from hookups
By Cheri Sicard
When it comes to boondocking or RVing without hookups, there are things you can do in every part of your rig that can extend the amount of time you will be able to comfortably live without hookups. Awhile ago, I focused on the bathroom; this time we turn towards RV kitchen tips to maximize boondocking time.
Between food prep and storage, cleanups, cooking, and water usage, how you use this area of your RV can have a major impact on how much time you can spend off-grid. Continue reading.
Ask Dave
RV absorption fridge fuse issues explained
By Dave Solberg
Dear Dave,
My question is regarding a blown glass fuse on our Dometic gas/electric fridge. I keep having to replace the small glass fuse on the back of the fridge. I find the issue when we plug in at home. The RV only comes home to get ready for trips, packing up and small jobs. Unfortunately, I can only run 15-amp power to it and it is about a 40-50 ft. distance to where we park it. If we are at a campground (50 amp), this fuse doesn’t blow once it is changed. It only happens at home. Could the issue be the 15-amp cord and distance? Thanks for your help! —Pam, 2021 Eagle 321RSTS 5th wheel Read Dave’s answer.
In the RV shop with Dustin
How an RV furnace works and what we look at to diagnose issues
By Dustin Simpson
When you bring your RV into our repair shop, or any repair shop, here’s an example of things we are testing during a bench test and some of the components we’re looking at for RV furnace issues: checking current, voltage, resistance, DC and AC power, circuit board, relay, blower motor, sail switch, high limit switch, gas valve, igniter, flame sensor. Continue reading.
Video of the day
RV tour of an awesome restored vintage 1959 Mobil Scout
By Cheri Sicard
In this video, we join Rob the Rebuilder for a tour of a 1959 Mobil Scout travel trailer, one of his latest RV restorations. In fact, the video is the big reveal to the vintage trailer’s owner after its meticulous restoration. According to Rob and the Mobil Scout’s owner, Gary, the vintage trailer was in extremely rough shape when Rob started work on it, but you would never know that.
Featured article
Cadie Stubborn Stain Remover laundry stick: Rub on and stains are gone!
By Cheri Sicard
I used to be a big fan of a laundry product made by Spray ‘n Wash called the laundry stick. For whatever reason, they stopped making it. NOOOO! I set out to find a substitute and am happy to say that Cadie’s Stubborn Stain remover laundry stick does the job just as well. Whew! What is so great about a laundry stick stain remover? Find out here.
Reader poll
Have you ever ordered a pizza delivered to your RV?
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
Hitch alignment tool for fivers, travel trailers, goosenecks
If you’ve tried to hitch up your trailer single-handedly, you know how much of a hassle it can be to jump in and out of the cab, run back, and squint at where the hitch ball or fiver saddle lies relative to its partner. And even with a “helper” it can still be a gut-wrencher. Backup cameras are great for the travel trailer set, but useless when dropping a gooseneck in place, or saddling a fifth wheel.
Here’s a nifty magnetic alignment tool that works for all of them. Drop the magnet mount on the trailer end – on the hitch ball or over the fifth wheel saddle – then one on the corresponding spot on the tow vehicle. Peep into your rearview mirror and make the balls on the alignment tool “kiss.” We used a similar system on our travel trailer for years. At about $20 on Amazon, this is a shoe-in. From Russ and Tiña De Maris
On this day last year…
- Ask Dave: What do group ratings mean for deep cycle batteries? And are Costco Interstate batteries the same as others?
- RV review: Honest RV review of the 2024 Jayco Eagle HT 25RUC fifth wheel
- Video: “Million dollar” beach house in a box truck—Amazing conversion with smart, innovative design
- Featured article: Tips to avoid communication roadblocks while RVing
Website of the day
7 wonderful animal sanctuaries to visit in the U.S.
If you’re an animal lover, put these incredible sanctuaries on your list of places to visit! Get up close and personal with the animals and learn about the wonderful work these places are doing.
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
This is too funny! EVERYBODY can relate to this (and everybody will laugh at it!). Keep this by your bedside table and let it be your mantra for the day…
Recipes of the day
Delicious, comforting winter recipes perfect for mid-week meals:
- Bold and flavorful curry recipes to warm your soul
- 4 recipes that put a twist on classic chili
- The best lasagna recipes for comfort food lovers
Trivia
According to the USDA, a sandwich is defined by the presence of… what? If you guessed meat, you’re correct. So the next time you eat a grilled cheese, or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, you can’t call it a sandwich! The USDA says that in order to qualify for a sandwich to be called a sandwich, it must have at least 35 percent cooked meats and be no more than 50 percent bread.
Readers’ pets of the day
“This is Ozzie ‘helping’ us plan our next stop. We found him as a kitten on I-10 near Flatonia, TX. He’s now 14 and has visited 38 states and three provinces with us. He stays in his ‘hidyhole’ while we’re on the move and comes out when we stop. Pepper, our Silky Wirehair Dachshund, is in the background.” —Gary Potter
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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RVtravel.com All-Star Team
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Trivia! So if its not a peanut & butter sandwich, what then is it called? Didn’t see anything it would be called other than bs. I think the USDA is giving misinformation!
Snoopy
I consider anything put between two pieces of bread or a bun a sandwich.
From Webster:
The meaning of SANDWICH is two or more slices of bread or a split roll having a filling in between.
I agree! However, I do not call a hot dog a sandwich…it’s a hot dog! I know there is a lot of controversy over this. To me, as Bob stated, a sandwich is anything put between 2 separate pieces of bread or bun. A hot dog bun is not, technically speaking, 2 separate pieces of bread…just my 2 cents worth.
Hmmmm… I see a poll question in our future… –Emily
Expanded from Webster.
Merriam-Webster: A sandwich is “two or more slices of bread or a split roll having a filling in between,” which could include a hot dog.National Hot Dog and Sausage Council: A hot dog is not a sandwich but a unique category on its own
PS: I wonder what they would call a hot sausage link on a hot dog bun?
We always called it a Hot Sausage Sandwich.
Just like the Feds, trying to tell me what to do. From this day forward I shall call a hot liquid containing vegetables and some form of protein served in a bowl a “sandwich”. Let’s see them try and stop ne!
As for the website of the day, I’ll put in a pitch for National Eagle Center in Wabasha, MN. This rehab and sanctuary on the banks of the Mississippi River is a wonderful – and educational – stop.
** LEAVE WITH A LAUGH ** SECTION …. I have always read this section. HOWEVER, I am appalled that you posted ‘When an Engineer goes camping’ THAT IS NOT FUNNY. If I am seeing that photo properly – *** a dog BBQing on his rotisserie *** To me, that is HORRIBLE and DISGUSTING………………………I suggest you change the person selecting your photos!!!
Hi, Luanne. It’s a pig, not a dog. Many people roast whole pigs over fires, especially around the world. I’m the one who put the photo in, and I’m a vegetarian! 😂 –Emily
Weirdest looking dog I ever saw…been around a farm much?
Someone has to be offended by something. Usually they are clueless just Karen’s wanting to be offended.
I am glad that your traveling companions get along so well, Gary! May you have many great adventures together. Thank you, Emily and Diane! Have a great day and safe travels. (It hit 76° F here yesterday. Such is the variability of late winter and early spring here in the western Appalachian foothills.) 😉