Issue 2664
Today’s thought
“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Jerky Day!
On this day in history: 1942 – Anne Frank receives a diary for her 13th birthday.
Tip of the day
13 tips to keep your RV’s refrigerator cool all summer
By Gail Marsh
If it’s not already, it’s about to get hot soon, and your RV refrigerator will need your help.
Here are some tips for keeping your RV fridge cooling effectively all summer long:
• Check the seals located all along the edge of the refrigerator and/or freezer doors. If you notice cracking, loose seals, or even places where the seals are missing, make repairs before you head to the campground.
An easy way to check seals that show no visible signs of compromise is take a piece of paper about the size of a dollar bill (or just use a dollar bill!). Place the paper into the open freezer door and then close the door. When you gently tug on the paper, you should feel some resistance. That means the rubber is sealing properly. Test with the paper or dollar bill all around every side of the door(s). Continue reading.
Ask Dave
Should I put a coating on the roof of my brand-new 5th wheel?
Dear Dave,
I just bought a new 5th wheel and was wondering if it is a good idea to coat the roof. I would do it myself, and I see there are several products on the market. What’s your opinion? —Phil, 2025 Grand Design Reflection 27RL Read Dave’s answer.
Article and video
Five easy camping desserts to sweeten any trip
By Cheri Sicard
What’s an RV camping trip without a little sweetness to end the day? Easy desserts aren’t just a treat—they can take any night around the campfire from ordinary to memorable. The easy camping desserts in the video from Making My Abode on the Road are easy, family-approved, and perfect for anyone looking to enjoy life’s simple pleasures on the road. Click here.
Featured article
What to see, what to do, and where to stay while RVing Canyonlands, Utah’s largest national park
Planning a trip to Utah’s largest national park? Thinking about exploring Canyonlands in the future? This thorough article by Dale Wade will tell you everything you need to know: what to see, what to do, and where to stay. Try your hand at identifying dinosaur fossils, experience what it’s like to be on Mars, and don’t miss the petroglyphs and ghost towns nearby. Click here for the guide.
Reader poll
Do you play Pickleball?
BUMPER SNICKER: “A crowded camper is better than an empty castle!”
Quick tip
Many uses for Velcro in your RV
Erinn M. wrote in with a sticky suggestion: “I Velcro just about anything I can to the walls and countertops of our motorhome. Why? So I don’t have to take down everything on the walls, and put everything away each time we travel anywhere! Examples? (1) Our clock, as well as all of our photos/wall hangings. (2) In the bathroom, I’ve Velcroed the towel holder, tissue dispenser, soap dish and hand sanitizer dispenser to the counter. (3) In the kitchen, I’ve Velcroed salt and pepper shakers, a hand sanitizer dispenser, and a basket that we keep napkins in. (4) I’ve attached small items to the insides of cabinet doors, such as flashlights, remotes, and even hairbrushes on the inside of the medicine cabinet. (5) Last but not least, I Velcroed a basket containing our dogs’ harnesses, leashes, and poo bags to the floor, right near the door” —Thanks, Erinn! Stock up on Velcro here.
On this day last year…
- Ask Dave: Campground water has a sulfur smell. What can I do?
- RV review: 2024 Ozark 2640BHK travel trailer – affordable innovation
- Video: Portable propane Blackstone Griddle pros and cons
- Featured article: RV parks, campgrounds, perform background checks on RVers; RVers must pay
Website of the day
Ghost Towns
This must surely be the best source of information about American ghost towns.
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Even if you never wear a tie and hope to never wear one again, we bet you would have no problem wearing this one. People will stare, we guarantee. Wear this to a party and you’ll be the highlight of the event. Um, literally…
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:
• 47 percent bathe every day. Yes, that means 53 percent do not bathe every day.
• Only 9 percent say their RV has a built-in outdoor kitchen.
• 46 percent say they would probably or definitely eat roadkill if it were put in front of them (cooked, we hope!).
Recent poll: If you had a time machine, would you take a month-long trip 200 years into the past or future?
Trivia
The ancient Greeks believed lettuce induced sleep and often served lettuce soup at the end of meals, a notion supported by historical use and a 2017 study showing that compounds in lettuce, particularly in red romaine, may have sedative effects.
Readers’ pet of the day
“We adopted Trixie (Cairn Terrier) at 6 months (now age 5) just after we retired. She was a rescue from the California kill shelter in San Bernardino. She had been caged most of the time. She quickly got attached to us and goes everywhere. She loves camping in the trailer.” —George Dunham
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.
FINISHED READING THIS NEWSLETTER? Catch up on these stories:
- THOR brands sue new competitor for alleged misconduct
- Why RVers say dogs and their owners are ruining campgrounds
- Letter to the Editor: Why are campground check-in times so late?
- Visit the Cody Firearms Museum in the heart of Buffalo Bill Country
- These are the states that allow you to live in your RV full-time
Leave here with a laugh
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velcro is great, and while not an adhesive has shear strength like an adhesive, so know that you can’t hold everything with velcro. But velcro does make it easy to dismount and remount objects that won’t survive road bounce.
I agree that Velcro has it’s uses, but it’s not a panacea. The adhesives don’t hold up well to heat and moisture, and while they have good shear resistance, they don’t do so well in tension. Plus the “hook and loop” forms of Velcro do not provide a solid connection; they allow items to flex and move, which is not always desirable. I use it where appropriate, but it’s not a substitute for screws or adhesives.
I find “museum putty” to be more useful for securing items on counters that don’t need to be moved often, like soap dispensers. Command products are often better for mounting to walls, as pulling a Velcro mounted item off of a wall can result in the wallpaper pulling off instead.
Dump the Velcro and pick up some 3M dual lock. A one inch piece will hold the same weight as 3 inches on Velcro. You do not need two different pieces. It interlocks with itself.
Plus the adhesive in much stronger, but still can be removed.
I also does not wear out like Velcro.
It mount a motion light for my steps with it and one time I forgot to remove it before leaving.
It was still there after a 300 mile drive.
Trixie is leading a good life now. Rescue dogs are the best.
Trixie – you are a fine looking traveling companion. You keep navigating and making memories with your people. Don
Couldn’t find comment posting for Canyonlands article!! We just spent 4 days in Moab for Arches and Canyonlands…. what a magical area. Staying in Escalante for 3 months and take12/24 route to get anywhere. Loved article. Very well written and informative. Only fault .. you left out homemade Mormon pies in Capital Reef!
Don’t forget the cinnamon rolls , they like the pies go fast !
Does the mystery product tie flash SOS?
Tbank you for adopting, Trixie, George! 🙁 I hope tbat you have many wonderful trips together. Thank you, Emily and Diane! Have a great day and safe travels! 🙂
THANK YOU FOR RESCUING TRIXIE.