Issue 2615
Today’s thought
“I think there should be a rule that everyone in the world should get a standing ovation at least once in their lives.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Chicken Cordon Bleu Day!
On this day in history: 1968 – Martin Luther King Jr. is assassinated by James Earl Ray at a motel in Memphis, Tennessee. Note: Did you know this motel was turned into a museum? Read about it here.
Tip of the day
How to adjust your RV toilet seat height
By Russ & Tiña De Maris
Hate to let you in on a little secret, but the older we get, the harder using the toilet is. We’ll spare you the medical perspective of bodily functions, but just getting up and down from the toilet can be—well, a pain in the—er—neck. And legs. And back. And don’t forget the knees. Adjusting the height of your RV throne can make a world of difference. An RV toilet riser may be just what you need.
Too often, RV toilets are on the short side, but we found a relatively inexpensive upgrade that really helps. Install a riser to give yourself a bit of a lift. We’ll walk you through your own “Game of Thrones.”
Ask Dave
Can lithium house batteries jump-start an RV engine battery?
Dear Dave,
I would like to start by saying I like reading your newsletters and website. They contain lots of information that’s very helpful to me. I have been RVing for about 20 years in a 32′ Class A motorhome, but only for a couple days to a month at a time. I usually am at campgrounds that have full hookups, so batteries haven’t been an issue (until my converter went out). My questions have to do with the batteries when it’s time to replace them. I have sealed lead acid batteries (two house, one starting)… Continue reading Carla’s questions and Dave’s answer, with input from lithium battery technicians.
In the RV shop with Dustin
How to replace an RV microwave
Join Dustin “In The RV Shop” as he shows you how to locate your RV microwave model and serial number. In most cases, RV microwaves are not repairable by your local appliance repair shop. In order to fix it, you will need the model and serial numbers to give the RV repair shop or dealership. Continue reading.
Video of the day
Stinky RV odors and how to get rid of them
By Cheri Sicard
Our favorite RV inspector, Duane from the RV Inspection and Care YouTube channel, is back with a discussion of a topic that every RVer is likely to encounter at some point: stinky RV odors! These odors can really put a damper on your travel and camping fun. So, how do you kick those stinky smells to the curb and keep your RV smelling fresh? Find out here.
Featured article
In defense of the RV shut-off valve: A $15 plumbing mod you shouldn’t live without
By Andrew Herrick
RV plumbing code (NFPA 1192) does not require individual fixture shut-off valves. It ain’t like your house, which is likely governed by some version of the International Residential Code. (Now, before you click away, I promise this isn’t a deep dive into plumbing code. This article is written for every RV owner; I just want to alert you to this hidden difference between your RV and your house.) Continue reading about this very important mod.
It’s here—hot off the press! New Milepost 2025 edition
If you’re traveling or thinking about traveling to Alaska, this is the book you need! It’s the best-selling travel guide to Alaska and includes mile-by-mile descriptions of more than 15,000 miles of road in Alaska, Yukon, Northwest Territories, British Columbia and Alberta. Its 700-plus pages detail accommodations, camping, fishing, gas stops, restaurants, attractions and services found along the highways and byways of Alaska and western Canada. Learn more or order.
You may have missed these recent popular stories…
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BAD DOGS: The U.S. Postal Service recently released its list of Top “Worst Cities For Dogs Biting Mail Carriers.” Leading the list is Los Angeles, where mail carriers were bitten 65 times in 2023. The next nine “worst cities” and number of bites were: Houston (56 bites), Chicago (48), St. Louis (46), Cleveland (44), San Diego (41), Dallas (38) Cincinnati (38), Philadelphia (34) and Columbus (33).
Reader poll
Would you attend an RV show in the next month if it were within an hour drive of you?
Quick tip
A place to store that “rectangle” ladder
A lot of RVers have those “cute” full-size ladders that fold down into 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ x 6′ rectangles. But where do you put the thing to carry it? “CB” on the former rv.net forum had a clever idea. He took a plastic fence post (you can get them at most big box building materials stores), hung it under his RV, and found his folded-up ladder slipped right into it. Add a bolt and wing nut to keep it from sliding out and bingo! That ladder is out of sight until needed.
On this day last year…
- Tip: Unusual, helpful uses for chalk while RVing
- Ask Dave: My RV hydraulic jacks “twang” and retract overnight. What should I look for?
- RV walk-through: Tour the all-electric 2024 Bowlus Volterra travel trailer with a WOW price tag
- Video: 7 tips to surviving a family RV trip
RANDOM RV THOUGHT: Avoid camping downwind of your neighbor’s campfire pit. If they decide to build a campfire late in the evening, you could be in for a very smoky sleeping experience.
Website of the day
Get Your Guide
This website shows you tours all around the U.S. and the world! It’s the best way to see and experience a new place! Take a Chicago architecture river cruise, go on a walking tour of Harvard University, take an Alcatraz night tour and so, soooo much more.
Recipes of the day
Delicious chicken cordon bleu recipes
If you were paying attention at the top of this newsletter, you’d know that today is National Chicken Cordon Bleu Day! And that’s a day we want to celebrate—don’t you? Here are a few delicious chicken cordon bleu recipes to make tonight or this weekend for a special meal. Yum!
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
If you like history, you’ll love this! Having this information in one place is ideal and the presentation here is near perfect.
Trivia
The entire state of Wyoming only has two escalators.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Ziva (15, Pom & Mini Schnauzer) was left at a Humane Society when she was 4 weeks old. She was due to be put down that night. I saved her, and she saved me. She goes everywhere we go and gets excited when I say the word ‘camping’.” —Lisa Wolfe
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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RVtravel.com All-Star Team
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I never seen or can find a rectangle” ladder that fits in that 2″ x 3 1/2″ x 6′ plastic fence post.
I’ve searched and searched for that ladder. Nothing!
A link would be nice.
I did see the SLDS6 ladder, but every place shows out pf stock.
Wonder if it may be a safety issue.
I found mine on EBay a few years ago; and yes It could well be a safety issue. There is no top step or brace to lean against – so easy to go over or lose your balance. I drilled holes in the sides and insert a piece of rerod I had laying around here. A little heavy but it gives me something to lean against.
Plastic fence posts come in several sizes. 4×4 and even 5×5 up to 8′ in length. Quick internet search will show all kinds of sources.
Try this site, https://telestepsladders.com/collections/stik-ladders
Description says folds to 2x4x6 foot.
Appears to be at least 4×5, maybe larger.
“resembles a “4×4”.
Would be interested in ladder that fits this as well.
Try searching on EBay for Rv ladders. It may take awhile for one to show up – but be patient – sooner or later….
Ziva – you sure are a beautiful RVing companion! You keep rolling down the road with your people…don
Just completed a 1500 mile trip with a large fifth wheel. Halfway home I noticed a fender was flapping on the camper. I duct taped it for the rest of the trip. Two 50-in pieces of plastic are going to cost almost $500. Plastic became brittle over the last 5 years due to sun and weather. Any a suggestions how to keep cheap plastic pliable?
I use 303 protectant 4 times a year to protect against the sun’s rays.
Same here. Also use it for door and compartment seals.
“If you’re traveling or thinking about traveling to Alaska…” don’t bother unless you are rich.
How rich is rich?
I bought a motorhome.100 gallon tank. Nearly had a stroke with first fill up, hand frozen to pump handle! My wife saw my reaction and gave me great advice; “if you are constantly gonna worry about fuel costs, then we should never have bought a motorhome!”. She was right. In planning a trip to Alaska? I should never have planned our trip there if I was only going to worry about the costs! Still going!
God bless you for saving Ziva. She is adorable and so precious. I have a 15 year old yorkiepoo who also loves camping
Planning a trip to Alaska after seeing how the drive is and I am doing an 18 day cruise thru the entire state for half the price of driving and fighting crowds. I am done with camping and RVs even though I still have my seasonal site in Maine with an RV. Will continue with that until I can’t.
So glad that you saved Ziva, Lisa! May you enjoy many RVing adventures together! Our copy of the 2025 Milepost arrived last week! The route to Alaska has been plotted. Still working on the return. 🙂 Have a great week, Emily and Diane!
For dog bite counts, we need per capita. Of course LA had the most–it’s the biggest. Duh.