Issue 2614
Today’s thought
“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.” —Henry David Thoreau
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Burrito Day!
On this day in history: 1860 – The first successful United States Pony Express run from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California, begins.
REMINDER: The severe weather map near the bottom of this newsletter and all back issues updates twice a day. Check it out before planning your day’s drive.
Tip of the day
Need a new place to walk? Try this trail-finding trick with Google Maps
By Emily Woodbury
Enjoy walking but tired of the same ol’ trails or routes every time? Here’s how I’ve found dozens of trails close to home that I never knew about…
I thought I had walked every trail within a walk or short drive from my house, but boy, was I wrong. So, other than looking up “trails near Seattle” repeatedly on Google, I found a new, easier trick.
You’ll need Google Maps on your phone (it’s an app for both Apple and Android) for this. If you don’t feel like downloading the app (which I recommend you do for instances when you’re not at home near a computer), you can go to the website. Continue reading.
Ask Dave
How to protect and maintain newly replaced RV roof. Plus, why new roof was needed
Dear Dave,
I’ve just had a new roof installed—new plywood deck and TPO-2 skin. Is there anything I should do to further protect this? Any coating, etc., that I should consider? Or am I good to go at this point? Thank you. —Bruce, 2022 Gulfstream 189DD Read Dave’s answer.
BEST CLUB FOR RVERS: Hands down, the Escapees is the very best club for RVers. Learn more or join.
Video of the day
Convert any cargo trailer into a camper in just one day
By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, the team from Playing with Sticks shows how to convert a cargo trailer into a functional camper in just one day without any building. While they have since upgraded, this family of adventurers lived out of a no-build camper for more than 10,000 miles. Check this conversion out.
FACTOID: Driving on deteriorated and congested roads costs the average driver $1,400 per year in operating costs and lost time. Source: American Society of Civil Engineers
Featured article
A creative way to stay in touch with grandchildren as you RV
By Gail Marsh
The connection between grandparents and their grandchildren is so special! I don’t know about you, but when we are away from our grandchildren for an extended period, I really miss them! I want to do everything I can to strengthen the “grand bond” we share and stay in touch with them while we RV. Read some grand ideas from Gail here.
Reader poll
Are you related to someone famous, past or present?
Quick tip
Adjusting the mirrors on your motorhome properly
The proper adjustment of the mirrors on your RV is critical for “on the road” safety and can make the difference between avoiding or being in an accident. Your motorhome generally has 2-piece mirrors on each side, extended on two adjustable arms near the front of the rig and situated for optimum use by the driver. Before adjusting the mirrors, you must realize that these mirror bodies extend outside of a very wide vehicle.
With this in mind, look down the edge of your rig, and always adjust the body of your mirrors to have their edge aligned right at the very side of your rig, and no further out than necessary. A typical Class A motorhome will be close to or right at 8 feet, 6 inches wide. And, remember, these mirrors that extend beyond that limit will be the first things to get hit by, or to hit, other vehicles or objects when you are driving or parking your RV. —From The Ultimate RV Owners Reference.
On this day last year…
- Ask Dave: Can you elaborate on why you are a “big fan” of Coach-Net?
- RV review: 2024 Salem Hemisphere 310BHI: Big, but it makes sense
- In the RV shop with Dustin: How to check for and repair RV slide-out failures from hydraulic ram leaks
- Video: DIY grilled Mediterranean meal prep for easy RV meals
- Featured article: Can you RV camp at a military campground?
Website of the day
Volunteer with the National Park Service
Getting a job with the National Park Service might not be your best option right now, but they won’t say no to volunteers! This website shows you how to get involved.
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Some people died who may be alive today if only they had this under-$5 product handy! Keep this in your RV or car. Always! You never know.
And the survey says…
We’ve polled RVtravel.com readers close to 5,000 times in recent years. Here are a few things we’ve learned about them:
• 55 percent bought their current RV new, not used.
• 57 percent buy most of their RV parts and accessories from Amazon.
• 18 percent say they were an excellent, near-perfect student in high school.
Recent poll: Is your life boring, stimulating or somewhere in between?
Trivia
Horse lovers, close your ears! The first canned dog food in America was created to dispose of excess horse meat. Once upon a time, we relied on horses for many things, including transportation. But with the invention of cars… what happened to all those horses? Well, dogs were hungry, so… The first canned dog food was made from horse meat and some vitamins and was introduced in 1922 by the Chappel Brothers. The dog food became so successful that within a decade, they were raising and slaughtering 50,000 horses a year for the food. Later, they sold the successful business to Quaker Oats. Eventually, during World War I, we stopped using horse meat (thank goodness) and by World War II rationing had put an end to most canned dog foods. That’s when kibble was introduced.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Sweet and quiet Delilah (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, age 9) can sweep lots of leaves into the RV with her long, silky hair. Her favorite thing is to hunt for tadpoles, which she thinks will be in every body of water at any time of year.” —Rhonda Brodbeck
Want to see your pet in this newsletter? Send us a photo of your pet with a short description.
Leave here with a laugh
Police have finally arrested the World Tongue Twister champion. They say he will be given a very tough sentence.
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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“… was introduced in 1922 by the Chappel Brothers. The dog food became so successful that within a decade, they were raising and slaughtering 50,000 horses a year …. Eventually, during World War I, we stopped using horse meat (thank goodness) ….” There is something incorrect about this timeline.
I think they meant WW2
According to Google, horse meat was indeed first used for dog food in 1922; however, the process wasn’t stopped until the 1970s.
Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame says they started the business during WW 1 shipping canned horsemeat to Europe for human consumption. The dog food line started in 1922. The brand was Ken-L-Ration.
When I was a kid my folks fed our dogs Ken-L-Ration. I had no problem with it.
Some people in Europe still eat horse meat as a delicacy. Guess they don’t like McGrease burgers.
Some cultures eat dogs, others eat whales, some eat turtles and others harvest shark fins for soup. Bats and bugs, the list goes on and on. I prefer beef and fish.
✌️😎
Another use for a space blanket… During freezes I put one loop of our heated hose over our regulator at the spigot, then I wrap the works in a space blanket. Unlike fabric insulators, a bit of wet won’t reduce a space blanket’s effectiveness. I put an upside down trash basket over the works to minimize wind damage.
Today’s Quick Tip has a reminder that many Class As are 8.5 feet wide. Even our little single axle TT is 8.5 feet wide when you account for the awning arms and things like bug screens that stick out or range exhaust hoods. Know all your maximum dimensions. Sooner or later you will be in a situation where it matters.
Delilah is so sweet and precious a doggie!!! Thank you for sharing With us 🥰
“Thank you!” RVtravel.com!
Thank you for the “Thank you”, John. We appreciate it, and we appreciate YOU! Have a great day! 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
I hope that you and Delilah have many, many pleasant RV trips together for many years, Rhonda! Thank you for the sweet picture. Thank you, Emily and Diane! The mystery product was such a deal; thank you! Have a great week and safe travels, hikes, and walks!