Issue 2670
Today’s thought
“The only way that we can live is if we grow. The only way that we can grow is if we change. The only way that we can change is if we learn. The only way we can learn is if we are exposed. And the only way that we can become exposed is if we throw ourselves out into the open. Do it. Throw yourself.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is the first day of summer and the longest day of the year! Woohoo!
On this day in history: 1877 – Alexander Graham Bell installs the world’s first commercial telephone service in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Tip of the day
Hot sleeper? These tips are for you
By Gail Marsh
Too hot to sleep in your RV? You’re not alone. Hot sleepers know the struggle—especially in summer. From poor airflow and stuffy mattresses to night sweats and warm pets, sleeping in an RV can feel more like roasting in an oven. But there are ways to beat the heat: improve ventilation, use special-made cooling bedding, skip heavy meals, and try gadgets like the bFan® or a cooling gel topper. And if it’s a sudden change, check with your doctor—health issues can play a role, too. Click here if you’re a hot sleeper.
Ask Dave
Where can I get wiring and plumbing diagrams for my older RV?
Dear Dave,
Do you know where I can find wiring and plumbing diagrams for my older motorhome? I contacted Thor and they replied that they only have those for everything 2010 and forward. —Wes, 2007 Four Winds 35B Read Dave’s answer.
In the RV shop with Dustin
How to properly inspect RV windows and clearance lights
In this video, I’m sharing how I inspect RV windows, lights, and clearance lights. Maintenance is KING for keeping your RV in tiptop shape. By inspecting these areas, you can avoid potential problems down the road. I’ll show you how to perform these inspections and help you avoid any potential problems with your RV. This inspection and advice will apply to all RV manufacturers, makes, and models, especially those with frameless windows.
Article and video
A trick for getting rid of mosquitoes at a long-term campsite
By Cheri Sicard
Everyone enjoys time outside until mosquitoes show up. These pests make evenings uncomfortable and can spoil your campsite fun. The good news is there’s a simple, safe, and cheap way to control mosquitoes at a long-term campsite using the four corners method. The team from Fancy Plants shares it here (and it works!).
RANDOM RV THOUGHT: If circumstance does not allow you to level your RV perfectly, then consider the position of your bed. Position your RV so that when you sleep your head is a bit higher on the bed than your feet.
Featured article
Is it legal to stay the night in my RV at rest areas?
By Gail Marsh
Karen M.S. recently posed this question to RVers on a Facebook group: “Is it legal to stay the night in my RV at rest areas?” There are several opinions on this topic, but what’s really allowed? Let’s take a look.
You may have missed these recent popular stories…
- Where to RV for 70-degree weather every month of the year
- North Dakota sets new speed limit for interstate travel
- RV inspector recommends the best older motorhome brands
- What do older RVers really want in a campground? Michigan says it knows
- Comparing the top five best campervans for seniors
AND SPEAKING OF MISSING THINGS… You didn’t miss yesterday’s brand-new Great RV Accessories Newsletter, did you? If so, catch up here.
Book is a must-have for state park campers!
This book, “50 States 500 State Parks,” is a must-have for all state park campers and explorers. The book is a beautiful visual journey through America’s best state parks. Whether you’re looking for stunning vistas, rare wildlife, a dose of history, or an enjoyable hike, the state parks offer an array of experiences. Learn more or order.
Reader poll
Which of these campsite utility hookups is normally the most important to you?
Quick tip
How to tell if the black tank is almost full
Just before the black tank gets to the full stage the toilet will start to sound a little different and a small burp or bubble of air will happen. This means the waste level is above the vent pipe and it’s time to dump! Thanks to Ray Burr at Love Your RV.
On this day last year…
- Tip: Viral fast-food sauce hack will help RVers with take-out
- Ask Dave: Can I plug into 50-amp pedestal with “Y” adapter to run 30-amp TT and outside heater?
- RV walk-through: Telescoping Hitch Hotel, world’s tiniest travel trailer; 42 inches long and can fit queen-sized bed!
- Video: PA’s Tobyhanna State Park review; plus campground jerk ruins it for all
- Featured article: Duck pond mistaken for hot spring; hilarity ensues
Website of the day
The best underwater attractions in the U.S.
Okay, odds are that you aren’t a scuba diver (but cool if you are!). However, even just looking at the photos on this page is incredible! Did you know all this existed in our country’s waters?
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Wow, this item is not trash! So, then, what’s the opposite of trash? This! (No, but seriously, we highly recommend this.)
Trivia
The largest number of country names starts with what letter? T? M? U? Or S? If you guessed S, you’re correct. There are 26 country names that start with the letter S.
Readers’ pet of the day
“This is one of my Samoyeds, Elsa (age 3). The hostas were pretty battered when we got to our seasonal site. She made sure they got worse.” —Betty Dagle
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
Today’s weather forecast across the nation
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Current fire and smoke map from AirNow
Did you miss the latest RV Travel Newsletter? If so, read it here.
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RVtravel.com All-Star Team
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And, if you are standing in water in the shower, your Grey tank is full.
Then I dump both tanks!
If I am standing in water in my shower, my BLACK tank is full!
Please be careful with dogs and hostas we lost a nice beagle because he decided to eat a hosta leaf !
Also maybe not destroy plants so that others can enjoy them. Just a thought 😉
🙄
By the time you hear your toilet burping, you will also likely smell your full black tank because the vent is blocked. You don’t want to wait this long as the black tank odor will often linger beyond emptying the tank.
I am (sadly) a semi-retired (advanced certification) scuba diver. Semi because all my diving buddies have fully retired, moved, or died. Sadly, many of the scuba shops in our region (Lake Superior) have closed. I know diving isn’t for everyone, but there is a phenomenal and diverse world all you surface huggers never see – anglers, we know where and why you lose gear and where the fish are laughing at you. 🙂
Hi Jim,
I too am advanced and rescue certified. About to age out, but there is nothing similar to clear viz. Most diving in warm waters, raised in Miami Beach so I love 75 degrees plus! Tried Lake Superior once and nearly froze even with a dry suit. Still too cold for me. Take care and always remember the sights you saw!
Never got a dry suit. A properly fitting wet suit only gets wet once – we prefill with jugs of warm water just before entry. Until we started snowbirding I did under the ice dives (with a properly trained under and on ice team). The hot water bottle trick kept me as warm as any of my tropical dives. Without surface churn, Lake Superior viz can get to 40+ feet. Actually did everything for rescue (and recovery), but never registered, so don’t count it.
I love Samoyeds. Elsa is beautiful and looks like she is trying to hide but isn’t doing a good job of it.
With our current 06 Dynasty, when the grey tank is full, the trap for the combo washer/dryer will start to gurgle. Our toilet makes different sounds when you flush it as it is a gravity flush toilet so it sits right over the black tank. We know when the black tank is getting full based on the sound of the flush. The original tank sensors are junk and no longer work accurately. I do have a Seelevel Tank Level system which still needs to be installed.
Laugh of the day is me!
Me too. I’m a solo 74 year old. I have a 7 year old aussie pup who at about 10 each night starts the night routine. All her toys she gathers and go up on the bed. Then she sits at my feet till I get up and go to bed. Oh and she’s my 8 AM alarm clock.
If truckers use rest stops to sleep why couldn’t an rv stop for sleep?
I hope that you and Elsa have lots of great RV trips, Betty. Thank you, Emily and Diane! Have a great day and safe travels!