Issue 2666
Today’s thought
“Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Fudge Day! Here are some of our favorite fudge recipes.
On this day in history: 1903 – The Ford Motor Company is incorporated.
Tip of the day
Simple strap hack makes propane cylinder transport easy
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
Lugging propane cylinders in the back of the pickup for a refill can be risky. Left on their own, they tend to tip over, and can get into mischief. Federal regulations tell us that transported cylinders need to be secured. Here’s an RVtravel.com reader’s suggestion for fifth wheel owners. This propane tie-down hack is simple! (Plus, we share a tip for non-fifth wheel owners, too.)
Bonus tips from this weekend:
- Where to RV for 70-degree weather every month of the year
- A truck stop makes the perfect stop, even overnight
- How to quickly clean up an oil-on-concrete spill
- Navigating road rage in an RV
Ask Dave
My RV’s roof air conditioner smells like mildew. What should I look for?
Hi Dave,
I’m wondering if you have any ideas on why, when my A/C is on, it smells like mildew in our 2018 Fox Mountain. This is the first time it has happened. I took a look at the air conditioner itself, but I don’t really see anything. I wonder if you can help. Thanks, Dave. —Andrew, 2018 Fox Mountain Read Dave’s answer.
No more house flies, fruit flies, mosquitoes, or any other flying insects in your RV again!
RVer Shay Matthews writes, “If you don’t have one of these Zevo insect traps yet, go get one! This photo was after four days of camping in our trailer.” The Zevo flying insect traps plug into any electrical outlet in your home or RV and attract all flying insects like house flies, fruit flies or gnats, and mosquitoes. It works 24/7 by using a powerful adhesive, which discreetly catches bugs. 54,000+ reviews! Learn more or order here.
In the RV shop with Dustin
RV slide-outs: Important tips and maintenance
In this RV slide-out tips and maintenance video, we’ll show you how to keep your RV slide-out in good condition. From cleaning to inspecting to fixing, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your slide-out working as it should.
Article and video
More awesome IKEA RV gear
By Cheri Sicard
RV life can mean getting creative with small spaces, especially when it comes to storage and staying organized. The Grateful Glamper loves IKEA. We published another video of hers on IKEA RV finds a few months back, but in the video today, she is back with even more great RV finds from IKEA that she used for RV upgrades.
The latest news for RVers
- THOR brands sue new competitor for alleged misconduct
- What do older RVers really want in a campground? Michigan says it knows
- First look: Incredible Airstream Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian Limited Edition Travel Trailer
- Canadians staying home—More campsites for you?
- Yellowstone staff says park did not disclose toxic lead in employee housing
To read more recent news, click here.
Featured article
The spider who loved me
Essay by Emily Woodbury
A few days ago, I was working on my laptop outside at my backyard picnic table getting this newsletter ready for you. I saw something jumping around out of the corner of my eye. An itsy, bitsy spider was bouncing back and forth from my computer cords to the table. I’ve never seen a jumping spider in person before, but I recognized it immediately from the photos I’ve seen online of the “world’s cutest spiders.” Continue reading about the spider who wanted to be my friend.
RANDOM RV THOUGHT: When getting somewhere quickly is not necessary, drive back roads rather than the interstate. There is so much more to see and do and plenty of room to pull off the road on a whim. Interstates are boring; back roads are interesting.
Reader poll
How many miles will you put on your RV this summer compared to last?
Quick tip
Using the roof air while driving serves two purposes
Most big motorhome owners realize that using the dashboard air often doesn’t cut it to keep cool while driving. Firing up the generator and using the roof air keeps the rig cool easily—with an added benefit: Since generators need to be “exercised” regularly, running the roof air while underway is a great way to get in that generator maintenance time.
Website of the day
The Best Hike in Every National Park
If you visit a national park, what’s the ONE hike you should do? Probably the one on this list…
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
This takes the meaning of internet cookies to a whole new level! No, your computer doesn’t log your data when you use this, but your stomach is going to grumble every time you hop online!
Trivia
In Syracuse, New York, at the intersection of Tompkins Street and Milton Avenue, you’ll find an upside down traffic light. Why? When the first traffic light was installed in 1925, a band of Irish immigrant boys took it upon themselves to put the Irish color (green) over the British color (red). The local alderman allowed for the change but, eventually, the state of New York stepped in and had it reversed to standard conventions. However, by 1928 the light was reversed again and still, to this day, remains upside down.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Riley captured our hearts in 2011 and crossed the Rainbow Bridge recently on May 9, 2025. Riley loved to walk, camp, tease us with his toys, and of course loved his treats. Riley enjoyed the sights and sounds of camping; he never missed a chance to explore or bark when needed. Riley, we will miss those cow eyes and your wagging tail, but having you for 14 years was the greatest joy of all.” —Andrew Kapusta Jr.
What a sweet tribute to your friend, Andrew. Riley looks like he had the best life of all. Thank you for giving him so much joy. We’re so sorry for your loss.
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
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RVtravel.com All-Star Team
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Your trivial answer is not correct. The traffic light is in a heavily Irish district and the kids considered red over green to be offensive to their Irish roots. They would throw stones at the light to break the light and, after numerous repairs, the City fathers decided to place the green over the red to stop the vandalism. It has been that way for 100 years now. I live near there so I am sure I have the correct explanation.
Riley – sounds like you enjoyed a great life and you have a great family. All those memories will live in y’all’s hearts forever and keep you close to your folks. You are a fine looking RV’er. Don
Riley, sweet dog, 14 yrs. It’s too bad they don’t live longer.
I use a milk crate to store my propane tanks. Fits perfectly!
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Thanks for your suggestion, Ralph. I’ve passed it along to Emily. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
So Sorry you lost your dear Riley Andrew. You were lucky to share his life for fourteen years. If only dogs had a life expectancy closer to ours!!
I enjoyed Emily’s story about the spider. Being kind to all creatures is a great way to live.
I enjoyed it too, enough to google jumping spiders. Guess I am in the minority as I had never heard of them. They are cute little critters! I will be on the lookout for one.
Hi, Kathy. I had to look it up, also. Which reminded me of a few months ago when I saw the biggest spider I had ever seen on my front porch (leg span almost 3″).😱 I Googled it and was amused to find the name is “Giant house spider”!🤣 Well, he wasn’t amusing, but his name was. I don’t like any spiders, BTW, jumping or otherwise. Have a good evening/night. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Andrew, so sorry for your loss of Riley. As dog lovers we know how much a pet enhances our life and how rough it is when we lose them. Riley looks like he had a wonderful life with you.
Riley was adorable~
A third reason for running your roof a/c’s when traveling down the road: your
motorhome living area will be cool when you arrive at your destination!
Andrew, I am sorry for the loss of your handsome Riley. We just lost our almost 17 year old Gizmo in April so I sure know the pain of loss too. Our first camping trip last week was our first ever without a dog, sure was different & not in a good way. They are so special.
Very sorry for your loss, Andrew. Time helps, but … . Thank you, Emily and Diane! Have a great day and safe walks and other travels!
😉 Thanks, Neal. I’ll be heading out for my walk this evening. It’ll be another beautiful night for it, so there will be lots of folks taking advantage of the weather at the local high school track. Have a good night and safe travels. 😀 –Diane