Issue 2659
Today’s thought
“You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Ketchup Day!
On this day in history: 1956 – Elvis Presley introduces his new single, “Hound Dog”, on The Milton Berle Show, scandalizing the audience with his suggestive hip movements.
Tip of the day
RV tanks dumping tips and helpful accessories
By Gail Marsh
It’s a job that many RVers dread—especially as newbies. I’m here to tell you that you need not dread this necessary job. You just might need a few tips and tricks to make dumping your RV tanks easier!
To start, let’s look at using a Y-valve water connector on the campground’s water supply. This allows us to use separate hoses, one for drinking, cooking, etc., and the other for flushing the black tank or washing the RV or truck. Continue reading.
Ask Dave
Follow-up to post on RV converter not charging battery
This is a follow-up to this recent post: Why won’t RV’s converter charge the battery unless reset button is pushed?
Dave,
I’m not sure where to start. … My issues started at the end of the season last year. After my last trip I wanted to see what the installed solar panel would do, and I left the 12-volt refrigerator on without hooking to shore power. In a few hours the battery was completely dead. I took out the battery to store for the winter and hooked to a battery charger. The charger indicated that the battery was bad… Read the rest of Joe’s question and Dave’s updated answer.
Article and video
Avoid RV van prewiring by using the Bluetti Charger One
By Cheri Sicard
Tired of dealing with complicated electrical setups in a camper van? Traditional wiring can be a real headache, costing time and money. According to the team at LadyBugout, there’s a simpler solution: Bluetti’s Charger One. It’s an easy-to-install, cost-effective alternative, especially for beginners. The video and article here give details.
RANDOM RV THOUGHT: If you store your RV on your property and you have kids, then you probably know how much those kids love to play with their friends in the RV. It’s like their private clubhouse. So, if you yearn for a little peace and quiet around the house, dispatch the kids out into the RV with some snacks and a board game or two. They’ll be happy and you’ll have peace.
Featured article
Cool Tools: Making cord hangers from an inner tube
By Dustin Simpson
Dave Solberg and I used to meet every Wednesday for a livestream we called Talkin’ RV Tech. We’d not only answer technical questions, but we’d also share what we like to call “cool tools.” These are the tools and gadgets that we actually use and ones that we believe would be helpful to you as RVers. Here’s a clip from one of those livestream events where we discussed cord hangers made from inner tubes.
Reader poll
How many nights in a row do you wear the same pajamas?
Quick tip
What to do with batteries with “whiskers”
“Have you ever removed the battery cover of your radio or other device to find the alkaline batteries covered with crystalline whiskers? If crystals have formed on the radio battery terminals, no worries! Try a cleaning product for calcium, lime and rust removal. CLR brand is the product I use but others should work fine. Use an old toothbrush with just a little product to remove the crystals and corrosion from the radio terminals. Wash the residue off the terminals with clear water—the terminal will shine as new. Caution: Be careful not to allow any liquid to enter into the radio’s case. Allow 24 hours to pass before using.” —Thanks to Hugh R. [Editor: There are several types of calcium, lime and rust removers available on Amazon.]
Small blind spot mirror good for all vehicles
If you don’t have one of these on your RV or tow vehicle, you need one! These small 2″ round glass blind spot mirrors easily stick onto your current mirror, no hard work is needed! They’re waterproof and rust-resistant and can rotate and sway to be adjusted for the best visibility. They’re affordable and could save you from an accident. Learn more or order.
On this day last year…
- Ask Dave: Follow-up to “burned up” air conditioner post; replaced with a “swamp cooler”
- RV review: Keystone Cougar 320RDS—a livable living space
- Video: RV workout: 15-minute full upper body workout with no weights!
- Featured article: Unleashing the untold wonders of the Midwest’s top state parks
Website of the day
7 of the Quirkiest Road Stops in the U.S.
This list from dailypassport will have you planning a trip to one of these quirky roadside stops in no time. We love stuff like this! How many of these have you visited?
And the survey says…
We’ve polled RVtravel.com readers close to 5,000 times in recent years. Here are a few things we’ve learned about them:
• 15 percent own five or more licensed motor vehicles.
• 36 percent say that having an electrical hookup is critical when choosing where to stay for two days.
• 57 percent never stay in a casino parking lot or casino RV park.
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
You and your sweetheart (or even your dog!) need this for a “snug-as-a-bug” camping season! Or maybe you just want to keep it all to yourself… Or maybe your dog wants it all to themself…
Trivia
Reno is farther west than Los Angeles. It may seem hard to believe, but it’s true. Reno is located at 119°49’ West and Los Angeles is located at 118°14’ West.
Readers’ pets of the day
“Bailey Lane and Olive Rose (ages 2 and 5). Our first set of Schnauzers traveled to 48 states with us. This set has been from Maine to Florida and out to California so far.” —Andrea Poudrier
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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As far as the Quick Tip for battery whiskers, CLR is acidic and may actually cause damage if any gets inside.
A much better product is DeOxit D5. It cleans and protects the connections. It is plastic safe and won’t do any harm if it gets inside.
It can also be used on the 7 pin plug and receptacle and the shoreline connections.
Although it is not inexpensive, it only takes a quick shot to dissolve the contamination.
It’s also available on Amazon.
Used Deoxit for years on electronics and plugs.
Bailey Lane and Olive Rose look to be the perfect traveling companions! Thanks for sharing.
Interesting names….you don’t normally name a pet with two names.
I think most registered breeds have many names. My favorite was my brother’s dog, Dusty Rose Dutchess, a German Shepard.
Dave and Dustin where can one get inner tubes? I don’t want to have to buy them from classic car tire suppliers.
I’ve hung cords like this forever, as did my dad and his dad. I just take a length of small rope or twine and tie the ends so you have a circle and loop it around the cord or hose. You can make it any length you need depending upon the bulk of the item.
The last thing I’m going to do is send kids in the camper with snacks! They may be happy, but I won’t be having to clean up whatever crumbs. Too many mice out there, they don’t need an invitation!
My RV is my home away from home. It is not a playhouse for the kids.
A better idea, if you need a break from the kids. Leave them in the house and take yourself out to the camper.
I use an old plastic peanut butter jar to hold my rubber gloves for dumping my tanks. The boxes are too clumsy and don’t last.
Thank you, Emily and Diane! Have a great day and safe travels!