Issue 2621
Today’s thought
“No one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.” ―Theodore Roosevelt
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Look Up At The Sky Day!
On this day in history: 1912 – The British passenger liner RMS Titanic hits an iceberg in the North Atlantic and begins to sink.
Tip of the day
Why vinegar should be in your cleaning arsenal for RV maintenance
By Russ & Tiña De Maris
If you’re a clean freak RVer, you want your rig to shine. Back in the sticks-n-bricks, you may have a lotion, notion, or potion for every conceivable cleaning need. The trouble is, having all those cleaning supplies takes up a lot of room—room your rig probably doesn’t have.
And the more stuff you carry, the more you push your net cargo capacity. So many cleaning supplies are a spendy proposition. Enter your pucker-up, space-and-money-saving friend, that humble jug of vinegar. Here’s what to clean, and what not to clean, with vinegar and how to do it.
Bonus tips from this weekend you may have missed:
- How we got a big discount on new RV tires, and how you can, too
- The RV window awning mistake that’s stealing your view (and how to fix it)
- How to pick the ideal power inverter for your RV adventures
JUST GETTING STARTED RVing? RVtravel.com publisher Chuck Woodbury’s book The ABCs of RVing is essential reading. Learn more from reading this than what you’d learn in six months on your own Learn more or order.
Ask Dave
Should I use Flex Seal to protect 2-year-old RV’s rubber roof?
Dear Dave,
We are trying to figure out if we need to put a roof coating on our 2-year-old 5th wheel. We were looking at Tropi-Cool or Flex Seal but heard that it forms a hard shell and makes it difficult to make any repairs later, like fixing or replacing gutters. Can you tell me if this is something we should do if there are no current problems on a 2-year-old rig? —Hugh, 2023 Jayco Eagle 321RSTS 5th wheel Read Dave’s answer.
In the RV shop with Dustin
All about solar: Types of panels, buying tips, and more
Solar panels are the backbone of your RV solar system. Choosing the right panels for your needs will maximize your solar system’s efficiency, performance, and return on investment. Solar panels consist of multiple individual solar cells that convert sunlight into energy. Several panels can be joined together to create a “solar array” that generates more power. Continue reading.
Featured article with video
5 signs of a lemon RV
By Cheri Sicard
Are you shopping for a used RV? Watch this video first. In it, Jacob Rigor, of Rigor RV Repair, shows five signs that an RV might be a lemon RV. Jacob emphasizes the ultimate importance of getting a third-party RV inspection before you sign on the dotted line. But what if you could avoid paying for an inspection on an RV that’s clearly not worth it? That’s where this guide comes in.
The latest news for RVers
- Lawsuit accuses Winnebago and Grand Design of defective frames, misleading marketing
- Interior Secretary orders national parks to stay open amid staffing cuts
- Amazon internet satellite launch doesn’t get off the ground
- Canadian RVers rethink U.S. travel plans
- Love’s new Ohio stop is RV-ready and road-trip approved
To read more recent news, click here.
Featured article
Don’t use or don’t like your RV sofa? Get rid of it and do these things instead!
By Gail Marsh
In the past, I’ve been a bit hesitant to make major changes to our RV. Oh, I’ve read about folks who strip everything out and completely redo the interior to “make it their own.” While I love the idea of switching things up, the very idea scares me more than a little bit. My fear doesn’t stop me from observing others who take on a major RV renovation, so here are some ideas from RVers who decided to take out the RV sofa.
RANDOM RV THOUGHT: When your favorite shirt or jacket starts looking old and worn, put it in the closet of your RV. It will be fine for camping, where nobody cares what you wear.
Reader poll
How often do you use physical guide/travel books to plan your trips?
Quick tip
Easy way to clean and sanitize short water hoses
Magic wrote to tell us about his RV water hose philosophy: “In addition to a couple of 25′ hoses, I also have a 10′ hose which actually gets the most usage. Using a Clorox towelette to clean it after each use will keep it white and sanitary.” He adds that he pulls his power cable through the same stuff to clean it up before stowing it. Thanks, Magic!
Website of the day
10 of the best places for stargazing in the USA
Since it’s National Look Up At The Sky Day, we figured this website was a fitting option for today. Happy gazing, friends!
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Remember yesterday when you said you had that thing to do today… Yeah, what was it? What about that thing that’s going on tomorrow? Oh, dear. This will help. (And make you laugh.)
Trivia
A half-hour southwest of Austin, Texas, the quaint town of Kyle has earned the nickname the “Pie Capital of Texas” for its popular restaurant, the Texas Pie Company. The owner’s popular family recipes range from savory pot pies and chicken tetrazzini casserole to sweets like peanut butter mousse, lemon chess, chocolate fudge, coconut cream, Almond Joy, and pecan pie bars.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Baxter (Lab mix, 14 months) found us at Holbrook Park near Sulphur, LA, on 4/10/24. He was around two months old and had been dumped two days earlier. He wouldn’t leave my wife alone while we were trying to park. He is the best traveler, having been across the USA with us. He loves playing and has more energy than any of the other dogs we’ve had. Thank you to whoever dumped him, for he rescued us.” —Allen Moser
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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Love Baxter, love the pose! That is one happy dog!
Best use of time ever!
Thank you for rescuing Baxter, he is definitely one happy and chill pooch and I bet one great camping companion.
Now I really don’t understand sanitizing hoses and cords. I think you should use this as a poll to see how many do this (or even would like to do do this).
Hi, Drew. Maybe it’s just so stuff they’re stored with don’t get dirty or contaminated? Who knows what they’ve been dragged through on the ground.🤔 Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Love your Baxter~ he was meant for you!
Thank you for adopting Baxter, Allen! It appears you have been rewarded far more than my words of thanks can approach; safe travels! Thank you, Emily and Diane! Have a great weekend and safe travels!