Issue 2611
Today’s thought
“I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Tater Day! (Scroll down for some “tater” recipes.)
On this day in history: 1889 – The Eiffel Tower is officially opened.
Tip of the day
Amazon Prime perks every RVer should know about
By Gail Marsh
Whether you’re a full-timer or an occasional weekend warrior, your RV lifestyle demands smart ways to save money, streamline daily tasks, and add a little extra convenience to life on the road.
Beyond the well-known benefits like free two-day shipping and streaming video, Amazon Prime packs a surprising array of little-known perks that can make your travels smoother and more enjoyable. Check out these Amazon Prime perks now!
Ask Dave
Technical follow-up on lithium battery storage in an RV
Dear Readers,
I recently posted a question from Rudy regarding storage of lithium batteries inside a coach. Here are a couple of comments posted by our readers as well as technical (and very useful) information from Tyler at Battle Born Batteries. Read them here.
In the RV shop with Dustin
Look out for sagging slide-out roofs!
Be on the lookout for sagging slide-out roofs! Here is some basic information and reminders. If your slide-out roof is pooling water, make sure to check it as soon as possible. The last thing you want is structural damage to the middle of the slide-out. Sagging can cause additional water to collect and cause damage.
Video of the day
How to score crowded National Park campgrounds reservations
By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, Jason Epperson of RV Miles reveals a problem that RVers are facing when trying to make campground reservations at National Parks: reservation bots! Get ready to dive into the frustrating world of National Park campground reservations, plus other RV news.
RANDOM RV THOUGHT: Treat your campground neighbors as you would want to be treated. Don’t play your music so loud that they are forced to listen to it. They may not share your love of Conway Twitty. Would you want to listen to their music? Always be considerate.
The latest news for RVers
- Homeless swarm RV manufacturer’s lot, move into RVs, destroy many
- RV park squatters in unregistered rigs. It’s bad, getting worse
- To save our national parks, should we surcharge foreign visitors?
- Unpaid toll scam targets drivers nationwide
- Virginia campground ordered to pay $750,000 for racial discrimination
- Steep price hikes expected on Ford Super Duty trucks
To read more recent news, click here.
Featured article
A haunting encounter and a personal journey to confronting homelessness
By Nanci Dixon
Today, as we were driving in the Phoenix area, I noticed a young woman who, at first glance, appeared out of place walking across the street with a blanket around her shoulders. I looked slightly closer and, much to my shame, just dismissed her with, “Oh, she’s just homeless.” The closer we got, I realized she only had on one shoe and one sock, and was walking across the street. As we got even closer it was evident that she had been beaten up. Continue reading this heartfelt essay.
Reader poll
For couples: Do you go to bed at the same time as your partner?
BUMPER SNICKER: “Not worth stealing”
Quick tip
Waste valve out of reach? Build a reach extender!
Ever wish RV designers were forced to use their own products? Might make life a bit easier! For example, how about a waste dump valve located under your slide-out? You end up crawling under the slide to dump the tank—yuck!
Here’s a trick from loveyourrv.com that “extends” your reach: “A simple yet effective solution. I bought a section of PVC plumbing pipe and notched out the end in such a way that I can now open and close the galley waste valve from a distance.” Here’s another trick for its use: “Add a line on it at the point where your slide extends to. Now you can use it when arriving at the campground to see if it is safe to open the slide without hitting anything.”
Website of the day
Yelp’s Top 100 Taco Spots in America
Ready for a taco? With 100 of the best taco spots in America on this list, there has to be one near you! We think you should go on a taco adventure today or this week and try one… or a few!
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Don’t show this one to the kids… or maybe do. Well, at least you’ll laugh… maybe not them… (We laughed.)
Recipes of the day
Celebrate “taters”!
- Not-your-average baked potato-themed recipes
- What’s one thing all these recipes have in common? Mashed potatoes!
- Sweet potato recipes
- Yummy tater tot recipes (Hint: perfect for game days!)
Trivia
In 1886, John Stith Pemberton invented Coke and marketed it as a “temperance” beverage, providing an alternative to alcoholic drinks. At the time, alcohol was heavily taxed, and Coca-Cola wanted to ensure that its non-alcoholic beverage did not incur these taxes. To prevent confusion during transportation, the company started painting their barrels red, which also became a distinctive feature for Coke cans and bottles that is still recognizable today.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Remington is a typical doodle (Cavadoodle), thinks he is entitled and a diva. ‘I need a treat!'” —Marc Stumpf
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
THIS MAP UPDATES TWICE A DAY
Visit Current National Radar Weather Map
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RVtravel.com All-Star Team
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With the waste valve extender, glueing a T on the opposite end of the slot makes it easier to pull and push the valve.
My waste valves are inside the belly with just the pipe and rod sticking through (‘4’ season). The angle was wrong for the shown PVC trick. I added a 2nd waste valve outside the belly and was able to run a 2-section (for transport) pipe toward the end of the slide room. Much easier to use without squatting. Great for longer-stays, but have to crawl under and close the built-in valve during hard freeze conditions.
“Treat your campground neighbors as you would want to be treated.” Some don’t even treat their neighbors right at their homes. America is sinking and people better wake up…soon.
Remington is sooooo absolutely cute, can be a diva 🥰🐶
RE Waste valve out of reach That looks like a reasonable solution BUT, I see other questions. Why would a company build a rig with the handle in that location? Clearly that is a bad situation. To me it immediately raises the question: If the RV company does that bad a job designing a critical component location what about other components I don’t see? Why would someone buy an RV with a dump handle in that location? Clearly they didn’t think to look at the entire RV or they were distracted by the “Bling” and Mirrors seen in too many RVs today. I can see the owner being so unhappy with this unit that it even turns them off from enjoying the RV life and we lose another family for good.
It’s called “Save the expense and let the customer deal with it”! I like to tinker anyway so this tool is perfect! It doubles as a go/no go gauge for your slides as well.
Thank you, Emily and Diane! Have a great weekend and safe travels!