Issue 2656
Today’s thought
“A laugh is a smile that bursts.” —Mary H. Waldrip
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is International Volkswagen Bus Day!
On this day in history: 1910 – Charles Rolls, a co-founder of Rolls-Royce Limited, becomes the first man to make a non-stop double crossing of the English Channel by plane.
Tip of the day
A gadget that easily fixes stripped screw holes
By Nanci Dixon
Rocking and rolling down the road in an RV can loosen and strip even the most tightly held screws. As our RV gets older, we are finding more screws shake loose and more screw holes stripped out when we try to replace or tighten. Sometimes it just takes a fatter screw, but that doesn’t always work, especially when going through tight metal brackets or hinges.
One major issue for us has been a wall—yes, literally a wall—that was never screwed down in manufacturing. The factory fixed it once but, in time, the screws have loosened, the holes have been stripped, and now the bathroom door flaps open while driving.
Searching across Amazon, YouTube, and RV sites, I finally found what might be a better solution than the short-lived glue and toothpicks in the wood holes. Continue reading.
Ask Dave
Can I add an inverter to run my RV refrigerator on 120-volt while driving?
Dear Dave,
I want to add an inverter to run the RV refrigerator only. I want it to run on shore power when plugged in and on inverter while traveling. What is the simplest but best way to do that? Any suggestions on inverter brand? —Eddie, 2016 Keystone Cougar 330RBK Read Dave’s answer.
In the RV shop with Dustin
Using a water heater tank rinser is the key to maintaining your RV’s water heater
In the past, Dave Solberg and I met weekly for a livestream called Talkin’ RV Tech. We not only answered technical questions, but we also shared what we like to call “cool tools.” These are tools and gadgets that we actually use! We also believe they will be helpful to you. This captures one of our shares, the Camco water heater tank rinser.
Article and video
The secret to walking up and down hills without getting tired or hurting your knees
By Cheri Sicard
Walking up hills can really take it out of a person. What if it didn’t have to be so hard? There’s a way to make those climbs easier and more enjoyable. The secret is to use your body efficiently, relying on your biggest muscles and conserving energy. Learn more.
Fix roof leaks and extend your RV roof another 18-20 years with the ONLY liquid butyl rubber in the world
RV Roof Magic’s unique solvent-based drying process allows for a chemical bond not found in other RV sealants. That is why it never needs a primer and only one coat. We offer a 10-year warranty. Apply RV Roof Magic to all roofs except silicone and PVC. Over 30 years of history of success. Visit our site for our monthly special!
The latest news for RVers
- Harvest Hosts gets competition from new, lower-cost alternative
- New bills seek to restore park staffing levels ahead of busy summer
- Forest Service budget cuts harm visitor services
- One million Fords recalled for defective backup cameras
- Lazydays RV sells off Arizona dealership; only 9 locations left
To read more recent news, click here.
Featured article
“Max Pressure” is NOT the maximum you can have in your tires
By Roger Marble
I understand how this incorrect information occurs when people assume “Max Pressure” means the maximum air pressure you can have in your tires. People decide to read the wording on the side of their tires and not the federally mandated vehicle certification label. Continue reading.
BUMPER SNICKER: “I don’t brake for tornadoes … but I yield to flying cows.”
Reader poll
Do you have a dash camera on your RV or tow vehicle?
Quick tip
Scraping bottom when exiting a parking lot?
If your RV bumper scrapes when entering or exiting a parking lot or other driveway, try taking the exit with your rig at an angle rather than straight on. Still no help? You may want to add skid wheels to the back of your trailer. Two types: bolt on and weld on. The former sometimes tear off, so the added hassle of finding a welding shop may be worth the trouble. Read about skid wheels/rollers here and here.
Website of the day
See Jurassic Park Come to Life at These Amazing Dinosaur Fossil Parks
Take a look at the photos in this article—it’s hard to believe they’re real, but they are! It would be incredible to see these in person, especially if you’re traveling with kids or grandkids.
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Oh, we’d pay good money to watch these in action! In fact, this could probably even become an Olympic sport! A very tasty Olympic sport for a certain someone… And, yes, we’d try it…
Trivia
Utah has five national parks, 45 state parks, 5 national historic sites and trails, and a dozen national monuments and recreation areas. No wonder it’s so popular with travelers.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Here’s six-year-old Rylie relaxing after a long walk. We have been on the road since April 1st. She’s always happy to meet new people in her travels.” —Glenn Halpin
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
Current fire and smoke map from AirNow.
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RVtravel.com All-Star Team
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Rylie looks like a wonderful traveling companion. What a cutie!
Rylie – Golden’s make beautiful RVing companions….and you look like a happy traveler! Don
Get rid of dog who tears up shades…problem solved.
Glen,
I love your dog- I’ll bet she’s a great pal!
Will you see the shades, you know that anyone who has a puppy Brittany knows that is always the potential to happen! They are tremendously, sweet and loyal, loving doggy, though anyone who has one is very fortunate!!!🐶🥰
We adopted a 2 year old Brittany from a shelter. Probably the best dog we ever had. Never had a problem with him touching anything that wasn’t his, and he loved kids.
BUT, he was full of energy. 2-3 long walks daily.
As far as Golden’s. They just want someone to love!
I have a question about today’s trivia. Last time we visited, there were five (5) National Parks in Utah. This morning and again at 8:30 tonight, that choice was not available. Just wondering if they added another park to the list? Am I the only one to notice this.
Hi, Mike. Here are the national parks in Utah, according to Utah.com: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Zion. The trivia said there are five national parks. Where are you seeing it listed otherwise? Have a good evening/night. 😀 –Diane
On the email notification. (The page where you click to open the newsletter.) It was timestamped at 5:01 am. The choices were listed as 4; 6; 8; 10. I was going to use it as an excuse to go and revisit, BUT it is a long way from the south west coast of Florida. It would take a lot of convincing to SWMBO to do it again. Well worth the trip on my opinion but my vote doesn’t count that much. Have a good night and thanks for verifying that I’m not loosing all of my senses.
Thanks, Mike! I didn’t notice it on there. Have a good night!🤗 –Diane
I noticed it and still got it wrong!
Rylie looks like a great traveling companion, Glenn! May you have many more wonderful adventures in the coming years! Thank you, Emily and Diane! Have a great day and safe travels!