Issue 2663
Today’s thought
“Even if you are on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Corn On The Cob Day!
On this day in history: 1935 – Inventor Edwin Armstrong gives the first public demonstration of FM broadcasting in the United States at Alpine, New Jersey.
Tip of the day
Trailer users – Here’s a front/rear leveling tip
By Dave Helgeson
When you’re logging long miles and pull into a campsite for the night, the last thing you want to do is take the time to unhitch, just to hitch back up to leave the next morning.
If you have a level campsite you can just stay hooked up, but what do you do when the campsite slopes to the front or rear so much that you are unable to level the RV without unhitching? This!
Ask Dave
How do I replace my RV’s cracked and faded decals?
Dear Dave,
Can I remove the stripes from the outside of the RV? They’re starting to crack. How do I do it without tearing the fiberglass? Or can I replace them? Is there paint for these stripes? Whichever will be easier. She is starting to look very old and she is far from that. She stays out all winter long in a campground, so I figure that’s the reason for the peeling or cracking, plus the sun. I am in an area of a lot of sun and no shade. She is washed every spring and well taken care of, but those stripes are getting to me. Help!! —Janine, 2006 Jayco Jay Flight Read Dave’s answer.
In the RV shop with Dustin
Watch an RV front cap and insert molding inspection
In this video, we’ll perform a front cap and insert molding inspection on a 2019 Grand Design Momentum RV. You’ll learn something from this inspection no matter what manufacturer, brand, model, year or type of RV you own. After watching this video, you’ll be able to perform a front cap and insert molding inspection on your own RV!
Article and video
Stealth camper looks like a pile of wood pallets: The most disguised RV we’ve ever seen!
By Cheri Sicard
Ever wondered how to camp undetected? Steve Wallis, known for his creative camping setups, takes it to the next level with a DIY camper disguised as a trailer full of pallets. (We last met Steve, 1.88M subscribers, when he built a camper that resembled a pile of yard waste.) Like all of Steve’s outrageous builds, this isn’t just about building a camper; it’s about mastering the art of stealth camping. This is insane!
RANDOM RV THOUGHT: If you are having a bad day at home and your RV is nearby, escape to it for a while. Close the door and just sit quietly. The change of scenery plus the “good feeling” of the RV might improve your spirits.
Featured article
Video: Why you should not tailgate. Oh, dear!
By Chuck Woodbury
Have you noticed that a lot of drivers tailgate the vehicle ahead of them these days? You might wonder how they can be even remotely comfortable traveling right on the tail of the motorist ahead of them. Well, here’s a good reminder of what can happen when you are so close to the driver ahead that if he or she suddenly stops, you’re in a heap of trouble… or maybe a 7-car pileup of trouble…
Reader poll
If given the choice between vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry ice cream, which would you pick?
Helpful resources
• NATIONAL TRAFFIC AND ROAD CLOSURE INFORMATION
• ROAD AND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS ACROSS THE NATION
• WEATHER ALERTS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
• LATEST RV RECALLS
• DIRECTORY OF RV PARKS WITH STORM SHELTERS
• THE BEST RV TRIP PLANNER APPS AND TOOLS
• CURRENT WILDFIRE REPORT
• CURRENT SMOKE REPORT
Quick tip
Avoid holding tank surprises
“To save myself from pranks, failing to close the valves after dumping and small leaks, I leave a clear 45-degree extension on my sewer outlet with the cap on so that I can see if there are any surprises waiting for me! If there are, I rotate the extension up before attaching the hose.” Thanks to Phil W.
On this day last year…
- Ask Dave: RV generator shuts down; only starts with starting fluid. Fuel pump?
- RV walk-through: 2024 Northern Lite 9-6 truck camper—solar and storage galore
- Video: RV inverters 101: Portable and large inverters for off-grid power
- Featured article: “Max psi” on tire sidewall. What does it really mean?
Website of the day
Unusual RVs: Pinterest
You’ll love this! This Pinterest page features hundreds of unusual RVs. Just scroll through and look at some of these—Wow!
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Get a whole new set of tires AND a cup of coffee for about $25! Hey, would we lie? We never lie!
Trivia
America made it to the moon before they had suitcases with wheels, which were not patented here until 1972.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Gordita (10) is an adventure cat that loves RVing. Anywhere we go, she is part of the family. She stays close to our RV when allowed out without a leash. She has been RVing since she was 4 years old.” —Myrl Fisk
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!
BUMPER SNICKER: “I drive the way I color … outside the lines.”
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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$25 for a mug made in China. No thanks!
Gordita looks to be a perfect traveling cat. Thanks for sharing.
Our new Ford Escape Hybrid with ACC (adaptive cruise control) requires me to be close to the car I am following in order to lock on. Closer than i am comfortable with, but the ACC isn’t fiddling with the radio or looking at the new house going up along the road.
Are you sure that there’s not a setting for that?
My wife’s new Tucson allows 4 different distance settings. We keep it at 3 which is about 30 to 50 feet depending on your speed.
It recognizes how fast we are going and begins to slow down quicker at higher speeds and sets a further distance.
I think I have it on my New F150 Hybrid, but I never checked how to use it. Ford has deleted some things on my 2025 F150 that were on my 2021 F150 Lemon. Like walk away lock and unlock doors. Trailer light check sounds like now you need the App. It’s missing the connector for the electronic back up thingy. Hyundai and Kia have more safety features standard than Ford at a cheaper price. But Hyundai and Kia are more complex to use some features. We got rid of our Kia Sportage Hybrid. It was a beautiful car. No trouble with it other than hatch opening when not supposed to.
Wow, one can “get lost” in that Pinterest site! It just goes to show you people with do almost anything, have any imagination just to enjoy our lifestyle! Bravo!
Thank you, Emily and Diane! Interesting at how easily AI can be persuaded. Never had any known direct dealing with AI, so cannot contradict or support today’s laugh. The coffee cup that looks like a wrench and stack of tires is interesting. But, I haven’t anyone in mind who would love to have it. Have agreat day and safe travels!