Issue 2606
Today’s thought
“The most thoroughly wasted of all days is that on which one has not laughed.” —Nicolas de Chamfort
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Cocktail Day! And if you don’t drink, perhaps you can celebrate National Cheesesteak Day instead!
On this day in history: 1900 – Carnegie Steel Company is formed in New Jersey; its capitalization of $160 million is the largest to date.
Tip of the day
Tips for dealing with unresponsive RV shops
By Gail Marsh
We never had cause to complain before. In fact, I previously had a hard time believing the horror stories my RVing friends told about their rig repairs. But then, things changed. We quickly learned the most effective ways for dealing with unresponsive RV shops. I sincerely hope you never have problems like ours, but if you do, perhaps you will find these RV tips useful, as well.
The timing couldn’t have been much worse. We’d planned our trip for months. Arrangements were made and in place. Stop mail delivery? Check! Alert neighbors/police that we would be away? Check! Arrange for the stix-n-brix lawn to be mowed during our absence? Check! RV pre-trip checklist completed? Checkity, check, check!
We were ready to go. But then…
Ask Dave
Can campgrounds legally charge a flat fee for electricity when pedestals are metered?
Dear Dave,
I’m in an RV park where each campsite is individually metered. Can the manager legally charge you for the electricity and not give you the breakdown of the usage? They just give us the total. I asked for the kW or breakdown of the usage because it’s outrageously high compared to what it’s always been before. They told me they don’t give us that information. Is it legal for them to just charge whatever they want and not show you the proof? —Dawn Read Dave’s answer.
RANDOM RV THOUGHT: Most state and regional tourism bureaus offer free annual vacation and camping guides, often both printed and online. Many, if you ask, will also send you a free state roadmap. Always send for these freebies before you leave on your trip to the area. The guides may also have money-saving coupons (everybody likes to save money!).
In the RV shop with Dustin
Keep this product on hand for easy RV underbelly repair
By Dustin Simpson
You may have encountered some debris on the road that has caused impact damage underneath the RV. Or maybe you’ve experienced a tire blowout that caused damage to the RV underbelly or fender area that has required you to need some undercarriage repair. Well, here’s what you need.
Video of the day
The 36 best Costco RV products in 2025
By Cheri Sicard
It’s that time of year again! Costco’s camping and outdoor section is back in stores, and everyone is wondering what deals are worth grabbing. In this video, Jason Epperson of RV Miles checks out the bargains, compares prices to other retailers, and sees how things have changed from last year. Keep in mind that it’s still early in the season, so more gear is expected to arrive as the weather warms up. I break down a list of all the gear here.
The latest news for RVers
- ‘So many lies’: TV station investigates deceptive practices at Camping World
- Park Service stalls employee reinstatements despite court-ordered directive
- British couple fined after stowaway found on their RV’s bike rack
- Heartland RV joins Jayco family amid Thor Industries shakeup
- Pilot starts pumping B99 diesel fuel
To read more recent news, click here.
TAKE A GUESS: On Aug. 4, 1983, New York Yankee outfielder Dave Winfield threw a baseball and accidentally hit and killed something. What did he hit and what action was taken by police? The answer is below under Trivia.
Featured article
He turned an old Air Force jet engine into an RV!
By Emily Woodbury
This old Air Force jet engine RV is right up there with the coolest RVs we’ve ever seen… Steve Jones, a former technician for the Royal Air Force, spent 1,000 hours transforming an old RAF jet engine into a four-bed RV for his family in Lancashire, England. Check this out.
Reader poll
Do you agree with this statement: “With an RV you can go where you want, when you want”?
A POLL FROM THE PAST that you might find interesting: How often do you boondock more than a mile away from another RV or building? See how readers responded.
Quick tip
Light up your utility hookups for after-dark arrivals
Making “landfall” after dark? Fiddling around with a flashlight in one hand and your water hose in the other can make for a session of grumbling. If your RV manufacturer failed to install lighting at your utility hookup area, think about putting in your own, as the user “BroRobin” on popupportal did for his tiny rig. If there’s a source of 12-volt power handy, simply install a suitable outdoor-rated RV light. No power near? Your next option is a battery-powered, or solar-enhanced light. Here are some choices on Amazon. Or how about a baseball cap with a light in the brim? That would certainly be handy for setting up after dark.
Website of the day
The most unique hotel in every state
We know we’re all RVers and not typically hotel-stayers, but you may want to book a night at a few of these places after you see and read about them. Some include Airstreams and vintage trailers, while others are in treehouses, in caves, under water, or inside a potato. Yep.
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
We’ve always wanted this but never bought it. Since it’s spring and raining a lot, now is the perfect time to use it! You’ll like it.
Recipes of the day
Since today is National Cheesesteak Day, we thought we’d remind you of these yummy cheesesteak recipes that aren’t actually Philly cheesesteaks. Check ’em out.
Trivia
On August 4, 1983, during warm-ups, New York Yankee outfielder Dave Winfield threw a baseball at a seagull on a fence as he was warming up and accidentally killed it. When the game was over, Toronto police arrested him for “causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.” On a similar note, this bird certainly didn’t suffer when, in 2001, Randy Johnson (the “Big Unit”) accidentally hit a dove with his (usually 100 mph) fastball pitch and there was an explosion of feathers. (The speed couldn’t be recorded because the ball didn’t make it to the catcher’s mitt.)
Readers’ pet of the day
“Betsy (terrier mix) was adopted while we were on a road trip. She never saw ‘home’ until several months later. That was 2009 and now she is our senior girl at 19 years old. Stays pretty close to home these days, but still likes a trip.” —Pauline Klein
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
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BUMPER SNICKER: I asked my wife if old men wear boxers or briefs? She said Depends.
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RVtravel.com All-Star Team
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Betsy is a sweetheart! Tnx for sharing.
At 19 Betsy looks fabulous! What a sweetie.
Readers Poll, depends on the 2 w’s=. Weather and wife
Some times it depends on if you can get a site in your state park .
Betsy is adorable, thank you for adopting. She looks like a great camping companion.
I think Betsy might win the oldest dog contest for the Pet of the Day! She’s a cutie!
RE Quick tip: I’ve got an elastic band head lamp in my kit. But my LED light equipped ball cap hangs at the RV door and gets lots more use. Takes only one hand to put it on my head. Also great for walking the dog at night and ‘picking up’.
Betsy – you are an awesome looking traveling companion! I know you are a joy to your folks…don
Hmmm… wondering about Tommy – been a while on commentin’
Yes, now that you mention him..me too.
Hi, Bill and Doug. I just checked and his last comments were on March 16. He’s probably just been busy. I’ll give him a little nudge via email and see if he can set our minds at ease. Thanks for your concern. Have a great day. 🤗🤗 (One for each of you.) –Diane
Must have just seemed longer, thanks ! 🙂
Or you just didn’t read whatever he commented on.😉 He posted quite a few comments the first couple of weeks of March, actually. (I’ve sent him an email. We’ll see what he has to say for himself.🤔) Take care. 😀 –Diane
My dog had given me the same side eye as Ralphs…now I know what it means, so funny
Betsy is adorable, Pauline! I am so pleased for you that you have had 15+ years of adventures together. Thank you, Emily and Diane! Have a great week and safe travels!
“Unique” does not mean unusual. It means “One of a kind.”