Issue 2626
Today’s thought
“April hath put a spirit of youth in everything.” —William Shakespeare
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Chocolate Covered Cashews Day!
On this day in history: 1934 – The “Surgeon’s Photograph”, the most famous photo allegedly showing the Loch Ness Monster, is published in the Daily Mail. (In 1994, it is revealed to be a hoax.)
Tip of the day
The best quick and easy “life hacks” for RVers
By Gail Marsh
Why didn’t I think of that?! You’ve probably heard about “life hacks.” Life hacks are simple tips for accomplishing common tasks in a way that’s easier or more efficient. Life hacks for RVers are little tricks that can make RVing easier. Think: fixing RV scuff marks, a way to charge your cell phone faster, a better place to store extra bedsheets, a way to prevent mirror fog, a way to use an AAA battery to replace an AA, and many, many more. Here are a few of my favorites.
Bonus tips from this weekend you may have missed:
- RV hitch failure raises question: When did you last inspect yours?
- The best RV gear you can buy at Walmart
- It’s roll-out time for your RV awning. Is it ready?
Ask Dave
RV’s roof air conditioner is not cooling sufficiently. What can I do?
Dear Dave,
Our rear heat pump, an Airxcel, is not cooling very well. Air going in is 79 degrees; output is 72. Cleaned all filters and also coils on the unit; no help. Also, what should the temperature spread be between air input and output? Ideas? Thanks. —Don, 2017 Holiday Rambler Endeavor 37PE Read Dave’s answer.
Article & video
Flush-Safe—A review of new black tank flushing gear
By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, Jared Gillis of All About RVs reviews Flush-Safe, the latest in black tank flushing gear for your RV. Flush-Safe promises a safer, more reliable, and accurate way to handle this task. Jared wanted to know if the product lived up to its hype, so he put it to the test.
CHERI WROTE A BOOK!
If you’re a reader of RVtravel.com, then you know Cheri Sicard, who has been writing for us for a few years. Cheri’s newest book, Moving to Mexico the Easy Way: A No-Nonsense Guide to Northern Baja for Expats, Digital Nomads, and Retirees, is here. If you’ve ever been curious about moving to or RVing around Northern Baja, this guide is for you. (Here’s the e-book version if you prefer a digital copy.) Congratulations, Cheri!
RANDOM RV THOUGHT: Don’t forget to bring along a fly swatter on your RV trips. An option to getting rid of a fly is to open a door or window to let the fly flee. But that’s a gamble: Instead of the fly flying out, two of its buddies may fly in. And then you have a fly-fest, which nobody wants. So a fly swatter is the way to go.
The latest news for RVers
- Is Cracker Barrel banning “overnight camping”?
- Dilapidated, graffiti-tagged trailers moved again: Locals afraid, angry
- Tire dealers speak out: Tariffs are where the rubber hits your budget
- RV business leaders explain why Canadians are canceling travel plans
- New Dyrt feature lets RVers search for campgrounds by drive time, not just distance
To read more recent news, click here.
Featured article
The last 1914 Ford Model T Caravan—Is it the oldest surviving motorhome?
By Nanci Dixon
Check out this 1914 Ford Model T Caravan! It may just be the oldest surviving motorhome in the world! While the Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company produced one of the first motorhomes in 1910, none are known to have survived. This 1914 Caravan falls between the Pierce Arrow and the 1915 Gypsy Caravans. Check this out!
Reader poll
Have you ever ridden on a motorcycle?
Quick tip
Taking the chill off bedroom walls
Tom P. writes about a problem—and a fix: “In our motorhome, we were always rolling against the cold walls in the bedroom. I went to one of the big box stores, bought some very thin carpeting and double-sided taped it to the wall. Problem solved, no cold wall.” Thanks, Tom!
Website of the day
How To Create an RV Container Garden
It’s springtime, and if you have a green thumb it’s probably tickling with excitement at the thought of planting new flowers and plants. Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t garden with an RV! This article is proof you can!
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
What if we told you there was a way to stay in shape without getting off your couch? Well, there is!
Trivia
Which U.S. president popularized the use of rocking chairs? If you guessed John F. Kennedy, you’re correct. In 1955, his doctor recommended the use of a rocking chair as therapy to ease his back pain from a prior injury. The recommendation was effective, and Kennedy was sold on the idea of using a rocking chair to engage muscles and ease pain. He bought rocking chairs for all his estates, and even gave them as gifts to friends and family. His rocker is on permanent display at the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum in Boston. And, if you’re in the market for a new rocking chair, the company that made his is still in operation.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Harper (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, age 9) is sweet and friendly but really only wants Mama! This puppy mill girl no longer has a hard life and goes into the garage and barks for me to come take her for a ride around the block or across the country.” —Rhonda Brodbeck
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
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RVtravel.com All-Star Team
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Harper is a sweet heart. Thank you for sharing.
I loved the Model T. Spare spark plugs and all. The couch as a driver’s seat is a great touch and it fits right in with all the other stuff.
In response to your Random RV thought today: better than a fly swatter is a fly zapper racket, like a small tennis racket. You don’t get blood on the surface where you swatted the fly, and it is much more effective. You go inside, close the door, and in a few minutes all the mosquitos are gone! I traveled to Alaska in 2023 with 3 other RVs. Mosquitoes were terrible. So I bought a zapper for each rig. Everyone loved them.
I have a photo of some of us with our mosquito netting hats, and the zappers! (But I couldn’t paste it here. Let me know if I can send it to you.)
Thank you for saving Harper, Rhonda; safe travels! Thank you, Emily and Diane! Have a great day and safe travels!