Issue 2610
Today’s thought
“No great mind has ever existed without a touch of madness.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Something On A Stick Day! (Like a corn dog! Or grilled skewers! Or roasted marshmallows for s’mores! Or a popsicle!)
On this day in history: 1910 – Henri Fabre becomes the first person to fly a seaplane, the Fabre Hydravion, an aircraft he designed and built, after taking off from a water runway near Martigues, France.
Tip of the day
This product prevents blisters from forming
By Gail Marsh
Hiking and walking long distances would be great if it weren’t for the blisters! If that’s been your excuse, you definitely need this! I absolutely love that this is a product for blister prevention. Yes, you read that correctly! It prevents blisters! Doesn’t that sound a whole lot better than finding a great first-aid bandage after blisters have already formed? I thought so, too. So if you’re a walker, hiker, or just need to break in a new pair of shoes, trust me, you need this!
Ask Dave
RV refrigerator door has half-inch gap. How can I fix it?
Dear Dave,
A year or so ago I was in Arizona boondocking [in my r-pod] and the fridge would not cool down. It didn’t make ice, and the temp in the fridge was over 50. I always carry ice packs, so a friend would freeze them and swap them out every day so I didn’t lose any food. On examining it, I realized the door was not shutting tightly, and the latch left almost a half-inch gap… Read the rest of Ann’s question and Dave’s answer.
BUMPER SNICKER: Bigfoot doesn’t believe in you, either.
In the RV shop with Dustin
Navigating RV roof replacement through insurance
A reader asks, “What are the current RV repair rates? What is involved in a roof replacement? Is it really replacing or just total epoxy covering? I see mobile roof repairs. Are they reliable and good? Or do I need to take it in? I am living in the unit full-time, so taking it in takes planning. Thanks for your time.” Read Dustin’s answer(s) here.
Video of the day
11 of the most common towing mistakes and how to avoid them
By Cheri Sicard
Towing an RV can be tricky, especially if you’re new to it. There are a lot of things that could go wrong if you aren’t careful. In this video and article, the team from Rollin’ With RVer highlights 11 common towing mistakes that can have disastrous results. Read the article and watch the (graphic) video here.
Featured article
A praying GPS, a marinated possum, a few bad omens… and a wonderful story
By James Swickard
It was a day most any RVer who is worth his salt would recognize. Six hours on the road, assuming the word “road” is accepted as valid terminology for lanes, rutted trails and cow paths. We had reached the ends of our proverbial ropes, maybe even at the end of the earth as we know it. Our patience was worn to the quick and we were desperately in need of a campsite for the night… We’re sure you’ll love this crazy adventure.
You may have missed these recent popular stories…
- RV buyer’s remorse: Why 70 percent of RVers regret their purchase
- Using Google Maps’ little-known features
- ‘So many lies’: TV station investigates deceptive practices at Camping World
- Why do outhouses have crescent moons on them?
- British couple fined after stowaway found on their RV’s bike rack
- Tool Talk: Take a sneak peek into an RV technician’s tool bag
Reader poll
Was the first RV you purchased motorized or a towable?
RANDOM RV THOUGHT: A little publicized fact of nature is that when sitting around a campfire, the smoke will eventually blow into your face. The rule further states that in a very short time the wind will move to your new position. The rule continues that the process will repeat itself many times until you give up and accept that the smoke is okay.
Quick tip
Five tips for a safer downgrade trip
- DO: Pay attention to road signs. When you see a mountain grade warning sign, prepare to change your driving habits. Get into the slow lane and let other drivers pass you while you ease off the gas pedal.
- DON’T: Keep your foot on the brakes. Apply firm pressure to slow down a few miles per hour, release your brakes, then move on to downshifting.
- DO: Downshift. Your goal is to be at least 10 miles per hour below posted speed limits.
- DON’T: Let your transmission rev up too high. Sometimes downshifting when you’re going too fast will cause your transmission to rev up too high, which can cause damage. That’s when using your RV’s brakes makes sense.
- DO: Put your ego aside, look for pull-outs, and let others pass.
From doityourselfrv.com.
On this day last year…
- Tip: Dump station etiquette – How long is too long when others are waiting?
- Ask Dave: What can I use to cover my roof air conditioner during storage?
- RV walk-through: Is this the ULTIMATE truck camper? The 100K Eagle Cap 1200
- Video: Amazing Honda Element RV conversion
- Featured article: Traveling with an RV refrigerator—Leave it on or off?
Website of the day
11 Most Beautiful Ferry Rides You Can Take In The U.S.
There’s something special about ferry rides, wherever you take them. This list of the 11 most scenic ferry rides is making us reallllly want to hop aboard.
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Oooooh, we jump for joy when we come across space-saving gadgets! We need this one, and there’s a very good chance you do too!
Recipes of the day
Celebrate National Something-On-A-Stick Day with these recipes
Things on sticks! Woohoo! We’ve compiled some easy, yummy recipes for you for dinner this weekend and they all involve things on sticks! Corn dogs, chicken pineapple kabobs, steak and sausage kabobs, Greek yogurt popsicles… Click here and get hungry!
Trivia
The national animal of Scotland is the unicorn. The unicorn was chosen as Scotland’s national animal in the 12th century, symbolizing purity, innocence, and power. Its association with the mystical and its portrayal as a noble creature appealed to the romantic sensibilities of Scottish culture. The unicorn’s presence on royal coats of arms reflected qualities valued by the Scottish monarchy, such as strength and independence.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Bella (Chihuahua, 6 years) is the best rescue! Fun to watch her in action tricking her ‘cousins’ to get a bone or toy she wants. When I get home, I never know what toys will be out and how many toys she’s hidden.” —Janice Mansfield
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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My 1st RV was a 1972 Datsun pickup (4 cylinder, stick shift) with a Cabover Camper on it. It worked but barely!
Wow! I had a 71 Toyota Hilux with a camper cap that had small cabinets and a crawl-through to the cab. I sure miss that little truck
Downgrade tips;
If so equipped, set the cruise control and use the engine brake at 10-15 mph below the speed limit. I almost never use the truck or trailer brakes on downgrades.
OH OH OH … I am married to a True Scotsman, born & raised in ‘PRESTON PANS’ SCOTLAND. At age 11 he and his family moved to Ontario, Canada … where we still reside. The ‘Unicorn’ is NOT the National Animal of Scotland. ** The National Animal is a Griffin and that is what proudly waves on their Flag of Scotland !!!!!
Hi, Luanne. I just Googled this, and found this article from the National Trust for Scotland: “The Unicorn–Scotland’s National Animal“. There are many other articles about the unicorn being the national animal of Scotland. I also Googled griffin, and found that it is not the national animal of any country, although it appears in some national symbols, such as coats of arms. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
I have a 5 year old named Bella and also chihuahua. Anyone who adopts a chihuahua is for a life long run of amusement and a lot of crazy when it comes to these dogs and I keep adopting them. Sigh. O bliss O joy.
National Something-On-A Stick-Day? Was that declared on “When Squirrel’s Got to Vote Day”?
Thank you, Emily and Diane! Have a great day and safe travels!