Issue 2680
Today’s thought
“May we think of freedom not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right.” —Peter Marshall
Thank you for joining us on Independence Day, when we celebrate the birthday of the United States of America!
Before we go on, a word from Miss Kate Smith
(from Nov. 11, 1956)
Tip of the day
Unusual uses for cat litter when RVing
By Gail Marsh
Kitty litter does so much more than its intended use. That’s why many RVers (even those without cats) pack along kitty litter for their travels.
Check out these unusual uses for kitty litter when RVing!
First, moisture control: Depending on where you roam, humidity can quickly cause your rig to smell damp or musty. Non-clumping litters (like silica or crystal styles) work wonders as passive desiccants. All you do is open a container of litter and place it in the back of wardrobes, under sinks, or inside cabinets to absorb moisture. Continue reading.
REMEMBER: Fireworks of all kinds are illegal on BLM public lands. Dry summer conditions mean fire hazards are extremely high. One spark can lead to devastating wildfires.
Ask Dave
No-heat furnace fixed!
Recently I posted a question from RVtravel.com reader, Rick, who had little or no heat coming out of his RV’s furnace. In the original post I suggested checking the ductwork, sail switch, or burner assembly. I very seldom get a follow-up; however, Rick did send back this initial response. Read the updates from Rick and Dave.
Listen now: 8 hours of patriotic music for July 4th, plus history of our national anthem
By Gail Marsh
Want to get inspired as you shape your hamburger patties and mix up the ‘tater salad for your 4th of July celebration? Maybe you want some inspiration while getting ready to attend the fireworks celebration? If you answered “yes” to either question, I have the ultimate 4th of July music playlist for you. It’s eight hours of continuous patriotic music. (Plus, the history of our national anthem!) Click here to listen.
Article and video
How to install a skylight in your RV or camper
By Cheri Sicard
Letting in more natural light can make a small camper or RV feel twice as big. That’s exactly what Nailgun Nelly achieved by installing a Specialty Skylight 14×14 from etrailer.com into her 1959 Kencraft camper. If you’ve ever felt your home-on-wheels was a little dark or cramped, adding a skylight might just be the trick to open things up.
Featured article
Visit the Independence, Montana, ghost town—(almost) in time for the 4th of July
By Dave Helgeson
In honor of Independence Day, I thought a visit to Independence, Montana, was an appropriate entry for today’s edition of Ghost Town Trails. Click to read.
Too late to order these for today, but, hey… who doesn’t always want a hot dog?? Order them here.
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Reader poll
What are you eating today for the 4th?
Happy Birthday, Caesar Salad! There’s another birthday celebration today: The Caesar salad was created for the very first time 101 years ago on July 4, 1924, in Tijuana, Mexico. Caesar Cardini, the salad’s inventor, was an Italian immigrant, one of many in Mexico at the time.
Quick tip
Easy tip to help back up the trailer
Trouble backing up your fifth wheel or travel trailer? You know that you need to turn the wheel the opposite direction of where you want the trailer tail to go, but training yourself is the hard part. Hold the steering wheel at the bottom with your hand—whichever way you move your hand when there, the trailer tail will follow.
Camping evolution: As told by hot dogs
We saw this post by Rick Redner on our RVing Over 70 Facebook group, and it brought a smile to our face. We love this and think you will, too. Rick writes, “Last night after dinner I reflected on the changes and phases of my four decades of camping experiences by examining how I cooked hot dogs over the years and decades.” Continue reading.
Don’t make these 9 cooler packing mistakes
By Cheri Sicard
Do you make these 9 cooler packing mistakes? Many of us do. These tips will work regardless if you are packing a high-end cooler, such as a Yeti, or your ordinary run-of-the-mill cooler. Using these tips and techniques can significantly extend the life of your ice. At least a day longer and probably longer than that. These tips promise an end to ice runs, soggy foods, and unorganized coolers.
On this day last year…
- Tip: RV awnings: Everything you need to know
- Ask Dave: My RV’s converter is not charging. How to check it? Should I switch to lithium?
- RV walk-through: 2024 Scamp Lite bare-bones fiberglass trailer—Worth it? Probably not
- Video: Cheap RV Living expert rates 5 portable showers
- Featured article: A dry day—but water’s dripping outside and inside my RV!
Website of the day
Where to celebrate the 4th of July in the USA in 2025
According to Lonely Planet, these places are the best in the U.S. to celebrate the day today. There’s still time to plan an exciting evening!
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
‘Tis the season (and the day!) to be _____, yum yum yum yum yum… yum yum yum yum! Hint: It WILL make you jolly. Click here.
Trivia
Americans spend about $1.5 billion dollars each year on fireworks to celebrate the 4th of July. They also spend about $1.4 billion dollars on alcohol.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Although this tiny munchkin, Grayson (12 weeks), is just getting acclimated to our home, we will be introducing him to the RV life soon. If he is anything like his Tonkinese predecessor, Chloe, he will enjoy the change and walking on a leash around the campgrounds.” —Sally Weigand
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
FINISHED HERE? NOT SO FAST! Make sure you read yesterday’s brand-new Great RV Accessories Newsletter!
Today’s weather forecast across the nation
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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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Grayson is gorgeous Sally. Good luck with the leash training!
I like and appreciate the patriotic colors used in the newsletter today. Happy July 4th, everyone! 🇺🇸
I also appreciate the patriotic colors. I know it takes time to add all those color codes into the tags. Thank you for taking the time.
Equal amounts of alcohol and fireworks sounds dangerous!
But makes for great videos.:):)
I wonder how much is spent on Emergency Room visits!
Grayson – looks like you are getting ready to start some real adventures..for years to come! Don
July 4th most dangerous holiday of the year. Be careful out there. I’m staying home.
Any American holiday has turned into a drunken party…especially the 4th of July…booze and fools do not mix when the woods get set on fire.
Thank you staff for the 4th of July Independence Day theme and the great patriotic music, and especially Kate Smith original God Bless America! The songs will be playing on my CPU all day! Have a safe weekend everyone – think and remember what can happen might!
Grayson is THE cutest. I’m sure he’ll be enjoying being an RV cat. They’re hard to keep harnessed — I gave up when my startled kitty ran up a vertical wall totally escaping his harness that I thought was secure.
Finally a precious kitty for pet of the day. So sweet.
Thank you, Emily and Diane! Those expenditure numbers for fireworks and alcohol are large. Can’t see that either is my fault in the least. Have a great Independence Day and safe travels!
Backing the trailer with your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel looks easy. It works best with long trailers, but try it sometime with a popup camper or a 10′ long plywood trailer.