Issue 2620
Today’s thought
“Too many of us are hung up on what we don’t have, can’t have, or won’t ever have. We spend too much energy being down, when we could use that same energy – if not less of it – doing, or at least trying to do, some of the things we really want to do.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Pet Day! It’s also National Cheese Fondue Day, so we think you should celebrate by making cheese fondue and giving your pet a teeny tiny taste to celebrate both at once. 😉
On this day in history: 1976 – The Apple I, the Apple computer, is created.
Tip of the day
6 cheap and easy small RV hacks with big results
By Cheri Sicard
The video below from Chris of Why Wait (one of my new favorite RV YouTube channels) shows some quick, easy, and inexpensive RV hacks that yield BIG functionality results.
RV Hack #1: Quieter pocket door closing
Chris says the pocket door in their RV bathroom, which has a magnetic latch, makes noise when you close it, enough to wake up others who might be sleeping. He fixed this with a tiny piece of felt. It’s small enough that the magnet catch still works, but no more noise! Continue reading for the rest of Chris’ hacks and tricks.
Ask Dave
Can I repair this RV 7-pin cord, or do I need a new one?
Dear Dave,
Should I repair or replace this 7-pin cord that goes from the trailer to the truck? If repair, what is the best way? —Michelle, 2021 Lance 1985 Read Dave’s answer.
In the RV shop with Dustin
Mastering RV maintenance with the perfect caulking gun
Learn all about mastering RV maintenance with the perfect caulking gun in this informative video from a skilled RV repair shop owner! Discover the benefits of a dripless caulking gun and how to use it effectively. Click here.
Video of the day
Dirty secrets of RV inspections you need to know
By Cheri Sicard
In this video, certified RV tech Jacob Rigor of Rigor RV Repair pulls back the curtain on RV inspection dirty secrets that every RVer should know about before contracting for an RV inspection. Are all RV inspections created equal? Unfortunately, no. Continue reading.
YOU WOULDN’T MISS IT, WOULD YOU? We’re talking about the latest issue of our Great RV Accessories newsletter, which was just published yesterday. Read it here. If you’re not signed up for it, make sure you subscribe!
Featured article
Death Valley isn’t dead: The magic of the life inside our great national park
By Chris Epting
I think that it’s time to rename Death Valley. Yes, I know the moniker has all that great foreboding mystique. Yes, the name itself is probably what draws many of the visitors in the first place. After all, when you tell people you’re going to “Death Valley” it’s a statement – a marker that says you’re interested in exploring the edge. Continue reading.
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Reader poll
Military veterans: Did you ever physically serve in combat?
RANDOM RV THOUGHT: Bites, cuts, sprains and other injuries, some even life threatening, can occur at any time. Be sure you have a first aid kit with you at all times and learn the basics of treating common injuries.
Quick tip
Help cut the grease in the gray water tank
As good as we try to be, sometimes grease gets down the galley sink drain. Over time it can create a nasty mess in the holding tank. If that’s a problem for you, just before you break camp and motor down the road, dump some white vinegar down the sink drain. Sloshing around in the tank, it’ll help cut the grease.
On this day last year…
- Tip: How to clean your RV’s TV screen and remote control without damaging it
- Ask Dave: I may purchase a 2007 gas pusher motorhome. Should I worry about it overheating?
- RV walk-though: The MONSTER 2024 Durango Gold G391RKF fifth wheel—perfect for entertaining!
- Video: Simple but brilliant RV pool noodle hacks
- Featured article: Half of RVers feel lonely. Here’s what to do about it
Website of the day
RV Resorts With 9- and 18-Hole Golf Courses
Like to golf? Looking for a new favorite RV resort? We think this list will have you covered! These RV resorts have their own golf courses. Have fun!
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
There’s no dis-a-brie-ing, we NEED these! Oh, how fun! If you’re a, let’s say, delicious-food lover (or a mouse), you’ll need these too!
Recipes of the day
Celebrate National Fondue Day with these melted cheese recipes
These aren’t all fondue recipes (but there is one of those), but today’s recipe batch includes a bunch of delicious recipes that all include melted cheese. Think: grilled cheese, quesadillas, nachos, meatball subs, mac n cheese, and more. Get hungry here.
Trivia
7-Eleven operates, franchises and/or licenses more than 13,000 convenience stores in the United States and Canada. It sells the most coffee from its stores on Long Island, NY.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Lola and her sister, Catarina, (2 years, Diluted Tortie*) rule the roost in our Class A motorhome!” —Charles Nordmeyer
[*A “tortie” cat has a tortoiseshell coat pattern of black and orange (or red) fur, while a dilute tortie has the same pattern but with the colors softened to gray and cream.]
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!
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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My spouse served in Vietnam for our country. We were fortunate that he made it home. He developed many health issues from agent orange.
Same with my father-in-law. He is a Vet who is proud to have been able to serve his country.
Same with my Former B-I-L; He was/is still a Great Guy!! Think of him often!!
My brother also saw combat in Viet Nam. He suffered lung damage exacerbated by smoking. We lost him a couple of years ago. The VA did take good care of him. Our s-i-l is disabled by Gulf War Syndrome.
Condolences to Galeyn Molnar on the passing of Tommy. He will be missed.
Dagnab it, Doug! Now you got me crying again. Take care.🤗 –Diane
Yes I understand Diane. This brings back a lot of hurtful memories for me as well – but it is what it is and I am not alone with memories. I hope Galeyn will be strong as I am sure Tommy would want her to be; and remembering the good times of their 38 yrs. together.
Thanks, Doug. From my several emails yesterday with Galeyn, she seems to be holding up as well as can be expected. She and Tommy have been through so much in the last few years with his leukemia. He told me frequently about what an excellent caregiver she was and he couldn’t have made it as long as he did without her. Galeyn told me yesterday that she is trying to be strong until she sees him again. Have a good afternoon.🤗 –Diane
I know you’ve been hurting a lot too, Doug. I’m sorry. I’m sure it’s still very difficult for you. How many years were you and Joan together before she passed on 9/11/24? Take care.🤗 –Diane
58 99% happy years, on the 6th of August 2024. We dated across the border for about 2 yrs. prior to her making me a proposition! So, I gave her a diamond in Feb 66 and we set the date! Our first was born on 16 August 68.
Thanks for the info, Doug. That’s a lot of years’ worth of happy memories.👍 Now, if you could just learn how to cook!😉 Of course, when you take your grandkids RVing, you can make s’mores over the campfire. They include grains and dairy, so they must be good for you, right?🤔 Have a good evening/night.🤗 –Diane
Great opening quote!
When you hit 80 the loss of anyone that you know, whether personally or from his “converstions” with his readers in a newsletter always brings some degree sadness and loss to those who are still around. All we can do is to keep the faith that we hear from those we’ve known by whatever means – relative, neighbor, church member, and so on. ‘Til we meet again.
Thank you, Tom. Take care, and have a good night.🤗 –Diane
Lola is so cute, Charles. Thank you, Emily and Diane! The laugh of the day is funny, absurd but still funny. Have a great day and safe travels!