Issue 2648
Today’s thought
“You never know what worse luck your bad luck has saved you from.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Strawberries And Cream Day!
On this day in history: 1932 – Bad weather forces Amelia Earhart to land in a pasture in Derry, Northern Ireland, and she thereby becomes the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
Tip of the day
How to create a budget for unplanned fun while RVing
By Gail Marsh
It’s sometimes difficult for me to stay on budget, especially when RVing. That’s why I’m so happy that we keep an adventure activity account.
It’s our version of budget protection that we call our Triple A fund—not to be confused with the much more famous auto insurance company.
Maybe you can relate. You’re driving along when you see a billboard for the biggest ball of twine, or a presidential birthplace, or a countywide farmers’ market. Stopping for too many unplanned experiences can throw your budget off track. That’s where the adventure activity account (AAA) comes into play.
Ask Dave
My RV’s “larger” batteries are dead. Can I replace them with lithium?
Dear Dave,
My RV’s larger batteries are not working. I am not sure what battery to replace them with. Could I use a LiFePO4 instead of regular battery? Do I need a different monitor? I am not using any solar. —Beverley, 2001 Tiffin Allegro 40 ft. diesel bus Read Dave’s answer.
In the RV shop with Dustin
Preventing a leaking slide out motor from causing roof damage
This process describes the repair where, under certain temperature conditions, the slide cable system gearbox may leak oil/grease on the slide roof membrane. The following describes how to install a drip pan to prevent damage to the roof membrane, and how to make basic repairs, if necessary. Click here.
Article and video
Go anywhere in a 4×4 expedition vehicle RV
By Cheri Sicard
Imagine trading your everyday routine for a life of adventure on the open road. That’s exactly what Andy and Sherry from Nomadic MidLife did when they built their incredible 4×4 expedition truck. “Less stuff, more stories” is more than just a catchy slogan for Andy and Sherry. It became their way of life. They believe it’s important to shift focus from possessions to experiences. This belief influenced every aspect of their truck’s design.
Fire-resistant bag keeps valuables safe!
This silicone-coated fire-resistant bag will save your money, documents, jewelry, passport and other valuables from a fire. Its two layers of supreme fire retardant fiberglass material make it resist fire and heat up to 2000℉. It’s waterproof, too, so when the hoses arrive, your valuables won’t be harmed. Learn more or order.
Featured article
RV timing 101: The best times to do all things RV
By Gail Marsh
When traveling in an RV, there’s adventure around every bend in the road. As with many things, in RVing, timing is everything! Take a look at some examples and see if you agree. Of course, you can perform the following almost anytime. However, many RVers agree that these are optimal. Can you add to this list?
Reader poll
How important to you are online ratings of an RV park when making a reservation?
BUMPER SNICKER: Camping: Donating blood one mosquito at a time
Quick tip
Microwave security is “totally tubular”
Here’s Glen S.’s take on holding that microwave turntable in place while bouncing down the road: “Whenever we travel in our RV, I secure the turntable in the microwave with a cardboard tube from a roll of paper towels. Cut to just a little more than the length from the dish to the ceiling of the appliance, and wedged in, the cardboard tube has worked for us for several years. After a while, of course, the tube needs replacing. Lately, I’ve found a much more substantial cardboard tube from something else (I don’t remember what). Cut to the desired length, it has sufficed for the last couple of years and several road trips without damage to the turntable.” Thanks, Glen!
On this day last year…
- Tip: How childhood routines pay off while RVing
- Ask Dave: Our trailer came off hitch ball while being towed. Can grease cause that?
- RV walk-through: Tour a restored vintage classic 1976 GMC motorhome
- Video: Harbor Freight RV gear: 7 items with great prices and value
- Featured article: Leave your hood open in Arizona parks!
Website of the day
The best pizza in the world
This is your guide to the best pizza in the world. No, really, it’s THE official pizza guide. Call this a pizza bible, cause that’s exactly what it is.
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
We want to sit and read by this. We want to sit and watch TV by this. We want to sit and admire this… Okay, fine, we just really want this.
Trivia
Modern horses were introduced to North America by the Spanish conquistadors in the 1500s, spreading to the Plains by the late 1600s. At first, people referred to them as “elk dogs,” as the animal was as large as an elk but could be trained to carry items, like their dogs. Unlike dogs, horses didn’t have to be fed meat and could instead live off grass, or cottonwood bark in the winter, making them easier to care for and travel with.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Willy (Doxie mix, age 7) is my world. He is the most wonderful dog. We go camping in the RV all by ourselves.” —Melody Oylear
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
THIS MAP UPDATES TWICE A DAY
Visit Current National Radar Weather Map
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I always initially check the ratings of a RV park/resort but I always read the comments. Sometimes people leave negative comments even though they were at fault ( reprimanded for bad conduct, etc) and the RV park enforced the rules !
I usually take a look if there are any. I also eliminate the “5 and 1” stars since most peoples “5’s” are not what everyone else would considered 5 and the “1,s” simply because there are always those few out there that complain about everything. I read the middle of the road comments if there are any and have found those to be more reflective of the CG.
Instead of a cardboard tube to hold my microwave plate in place I use a swim noodle. This has worked for many years.
We stuff a rolled up bath towel in the microwave. Quick and easy, works great, and the towel goes back into nearby storage.
We’ve used a section of foam pipe insulation for several years. Before that my wife wrapped the plate in a towel.
You’re following an important backpacker’s rule; everything must serve at least two purposes, thereby saving space and weight.
I love the pool noodle idea! I have been wrapping it up, but the microwave inside is above the top of my head, so it’s nearly impossible to get it to “seat” properly without bringing in the step stool!
Same sort of idea. I find the cardboard tubes and thinner pool noodles will fail to stay in place if at any sort of angle after insertion. I had a leftover piece of larger pipe insulation. I also put duct tape over the ends. Works great!
We got lucky, because when the RV was new, the plate was packaged in a cardboard box, containing a form-fitted styrofoam tray inside the microwave and I didn’t throw it away when unpacking.
I use a padded rubber sheet in all my cupboards to keep things from s sliding around. So I cut a piece the size of the microwave and put it under the tray, and bring the corners up around the tray to protect it from breakage. Works like a charm.
Our microwave door sometimes pops open on travel days. I put the glass plate in a drawer wrapped in a bath towel. If I’m in a hurry, I put on the bed wrapped in a cover.
We use a piece of non-skid contact mat (shelf liner type). Lift out the plate, put down the mat, flip the plate over and set it down. Easy peasy! The plate does not slide, the plastic rollers under the plate do not move and are also protected. Virtually no chance for movement.
Willy is adorable and looks like he is saying “Let’s go for a walk!”🐶
Excellent point and we have all seen those drivers who drive like they just stole the rig….
On the QuickTip:
We used a Pringle Chip Tube. The plastic lid keeps the scratches to a minimum
Actually, modern (or nearly modern) horses evolved in North America. They migrated west over the Bering straits as humans were migrating east during the last ice age. They went extinct in NA at the same time that all of the other ice age mega fauna went extinct (mammoths, sloths, saber toothed tigers, etc). The Spanish RE-introduced horses to NA.
Willy looks like a great traveling companion, Melody! I hope that you share many joyful trips together. Thank you, Emily and Diane! Have a great day and safe travels!