Issue 2660
Today’s thought
“Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.” ―
Today is the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Commencement of Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Normandy, with the execution of Operation Neptune—commonly referred to as D-Day—the largest seaborne invasion in history. Nearly 160,000 Allied troops cross the English Channel with about 5,000 landing and assault craft, 289 escort vessels, and 277 minesweepers participating. By the end of the day, the Allies have landed on five invasion beaches and are pushing inland.
Tip of the day
Hot weather RV tips: How to reduce heat and stay comfortable
By Russ & Tiña De Maris
“Hot town, summer in the city; Back of my neck getting dirty and gritty...” —The Lovin’ Spoonful. Most of us try to get away from that summer in the city. We hitch up the trailer or fire up the motorhome and head for cooler climes. Keeping an RV cool in hot weather can be a real challenge, especially in full sun or desert conditions. Here are some practical tips to cool your RV in hot weather.
Ask Dave
Is there new technology to reduce maintenance on RV exteriors?
Dear Dave,
I bought an RV new in September 2015. It has been a pretty good unit except for the gel coat finish which, after just three years, required almost twice-yearly buffing and wax. After the first year I would polish the entire rig, but it got to the point that wasn’t enough. Other than being an old and, I’m sure, cheaper finish, when are the manufacturers going to come up with a more durable product for RV exteriors? … Read the rest of Bruce’s question and Dave’s answer.
In the RV shop with Dustin
How to replace your RV toilet
You often do not realize how important your RV toilet is until it’s not available. Let’s assume the toilet is non-repairable or that it’s just too old. Now it’s time to update the toilet. In most cases, a replacement is a relatively simple process. The hardest step of RV toilet replacement is deciding on the replacement and determining if it works in your RV. Continue reading.
Article and video
See what damage a bear can do to an RV
In today’s video, we meet Tim, who called the California Seawood Cape Preserve home, deep in the forest and far from city noise. One night, while out with some friends, he received a vague but worrying message: “Hey, not sure but it looks like something’s wrong with your RV’s roof.” That brief note hid much bigger problems. It wasn’t a towering grizzly but instead a determined and agile small black bear, driven by the lure of food, that managed to get on top of Tim’s trailer.
RANDOM RV THOUGHT: It’s a lot easier to drive a motorhome than many aspiring RVers believe. Would you, motorhome drivers, agree?
Featured article
The small but mighty Reese trailer hitch lock
By Cheri Sicard
A while back I was looking for a coupler lock for my travel trailer when a friend, who happened to be in the hitch business, recommended the Reese trailer hitch lock. I have been successfully using it ever since. Continue reading to learn more.
You may have missed these recent popular stories…
- Harvest Hosts gets competition from new, lower-cost alternative
- Tour a rare restored 1973 Shasta motorhome
- Quick tip: A no-mess way of adding bleach to sanitize RV’s fresh water tank
- Why your RV’s GVWR is different than its GAWR
- Brand-new 2025 RV sends owners to emergency room
Reader poll
How do you feel about your RVer neighbors hanging out wind chimes?
Jar, bottle, and can opener good for weak hands
This 6-in-1 jar and bottle opener has eight sizes of circular openings, making the jar opener extremely convenient for opening small- and medium-sized lids. The hooks on the top can be used to open the large-size lids by breaking the air tightness, and can also be used to open the ring pull cans. Learn more or order.
Quick tip
A good option for RV parking pad material
Gary R. responded to a story on RV parking. We suggested various materials, and he responded with his idea. “I use concrete Turfstone pavers. They are about six inches thick and measure about 10 inches wide by 18 inches long. They have a honeycomb design and have good drainage. I fill the honeycomb holes with pea gravel. The turf paver is laid out so the pavers are under the entire length of the trailer including the tongue. You can drive over them as well.” Thanks Gary! [In Gary’s jurisdiction, those turf pavers don’t require a building permit for installation, nor do they pump up property taxes. Check with local authorities for your own situation. They’re available at home improvement stores, or the concrete molds are on Amazon.]
Really quick tip
Make your own travel cup
Glad Press’N Seal will easily turn any cup into a nice travel cup. Just pop a hole in the top with your straw, and you’re good to go.
On this day last year…
- Tip: Tips for using hydrogen peroxide while RVing
- Ask Dave: Should we run the RV refrigerator and the roof A/C between trips?
- RV walk-through: Tour the unique custom Rossmönster Baja truck camper—too much counter space?
- Video: RV tornado safety tips: How to survive a tornado when RVing
- Featured article: Think something is wrong with your RV? Perhaps check your memory instead…
Website of the day
BringFido: Pet Friendly Campgrounds in the United States
BringFido is your resource for everything dog: best parks, dog-friendly restaurants, dog-friendly beaches… everything! But this specific page brings you to the best pet-friendly campgrounds across the U.S. These are nice!
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Okay, ladies, this one is for you. You are going to LOVE this (we mean LOVE this!). And men or partners, if you need a gift for your lady, this is it!
Trivia
Did you know that Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas is often considered the oldest protected area in the National Park System? It was first designated as a federal reserve on April 20, 1832, long before the establishment of the National Park Service in 1916. The park is famous for its natural hot springs, which have been used for centuries for their therapeutic properties.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Kenzie is a Scottish Terrier, age 6. Her first love is camping; her second love is any movement outside the window.” —Vicki Crothers
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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Isn’t it the 81st, not 80th, anniversary of D-Day?
June 6, 1944 to June 6, 2025 comes out to 81 on my calculator. So much for digital calculators.
The “Thought of the Day” is perfect!
It takes a parent to teach their kids, not ignoring them and letting them stare at a screen reading all the misinformation on the internet.
7 thumbs up.
Alternative to concrete pavers- I installed these HDPE pavers under my lawn. It took a bit of work to cut the sod, install the pavers and replace the sod, but nobody has a clue they are there. In fact, I painted marks on the sidewalk so I know where they are.
We can park our TT on the street, but for snow removal reasons, there is no overnight parking between 11/1 and 4/30. We are snowbirds but haven’t always left before the parking ban; and we need at least one overnight for final loading. The pavers prevent ruts when we are obliged to park in our yard.
2025 is the 80th anniversary of the end of WW II with the surrender of Germany in May 1945 and the surrender of Japan in Sept. 1945. June 6th is known as the “Longest Day” which was the landing on the beaches of Normandy on June 6th 1944 and the beginning of the end of the war, with the Battle of the Bulge beginning in Dec 1944 ending in Germany in May 1945! 2025 is the 81st anniversary of the Normandy landing.
Leave With a Laugh: Last time I slammed down my phone, I cracked the screen. Oh wait! That was when I crashed off a trail at Zion NP. Forgot to look where I was stepping when taking a picture. Thankful I wasn’t at Bryce for that one.
Thank you, Emily and Diane! I would not agree that driving a motorhome is no more difficult than driving a car, particularly if it one is just beginning to drive the motorhome. Given the difference in acquisition costs, I always have much anxiety for the first few miles that I drive the motorhome on each trip. Further, one is sitting on the nose of several tons of material, which adds further anxiety. Have a great weekend and safe travels!
I didn’t find driving a motorhome much different from driving my pick-up truck.
Kenzie’s got a great TV show going on!
haha!