Issue 2682
Today’s thought
“A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Cow Appreciation Day!
On this day in history: 1947 – Reports are broadcast that a UFO crash-landed in Roswell, New Mexico, in what became known as the Roswell UFO incident.
Tip of the day
You might be merging lanes wrong. Are you?
By Steve Blume
Brake lights, slowing traffic, and that orange “RIGHT LANE CLOSED AHEAD” sign just changed your relaxed cruise control pace to a turtle’s stop-and-go crawl. You’re in the right lane and have a decision to make. RVs aren’t exactly nimble when doing lane changes, and executing one is usually dependent on luck or the courtesy of another driver. Do you merge now, or hang out longer in the right lane and hope for sympathy when the time comes? Most drivers get this wrong!
Ask Dave
Why so many issues with our RV, and why no recall?
Dear Dave,
Ever since we bought our RV, we have had issues with it, including (lists many things). Why is this not a recall from the manufacturer? Do you know if there is something we can do to make the manufacturer pay for this? Continue reading Kim’s question and Dave’s response.
Article and video
Video tour: 2025 r-pod RP-153, an amazing small, rear-door travel trailer
By Cheri Sicard
Not every RV packs as much punch into a small package as the 2025 r-pod RP-153 from Forest River. In today’s video, we get a tour of this tiny travel trailer from Josh the RV Nerd. For those tired of the same old layouts, this towable truck-camper-style travel trailer brings a clever blend of comfort, storage, and efficiency. Read the breakdown and watch the tour here.
IT’S HERE! AMAZON’S BIGGEST SALE OF THE YEAR!
It’s finally here! Something you need? Something you want? Something you’ve been meaning to stock up on? Today is the day! Amazon Prime’s biggest sale of the year is here, so shop the best sales between now and the 11th. Don’t miss out! Save big! See all the deals here.
Featured article
Letter to the Editor: A good reminder about changing fluids and travel days
We received this letter from reader Nicky L. and thought his reminders were worth sharing. Have you ever had a similar experience? Read Nicky’s letter here.
Reader poll
Do you start each day with a cup of coffee?
Quick tip
Another way to ease new fittings onto sewer hose
Putting new fittings onto your sewer hose? We’ve all heard the idea of dipping the hose in hot water to make the fittings slip on easier. Here’s the polar opposite: Stick the new fittings into your freezer for a few minutes—they’ll contract and slip in the hose easier.
On this day last year…
- Ask Dave: RV has two refrigerator vents, but the top one is blocked with plywood?
- RV review: 2024 Forest River Wildwood X-Lite 171RBXL—couple’s small camper with big cargo capacity
- Featured article: You see them everywhere, but are cairns a help or a hazard?
Website of the day
The Most Epic Dog Parks in the U.S.
You heard it here, pups! It’s time you put on that leash and take Mom and/or Dad out to the dog park (and make them buy you a treat too, while they’re at it!).
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
You’d win so many points if you gave this to someone as a gift. Maybe you’d even… get a strike?
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:
• 4 percent receive more than 100 emails (not spam!) on a daily basis.
• 38 percent do not own a pet.
• 14 percent say they never remember their dreams.
Trivia
North Dakota has the highest rate of speeding tickets in the United States, with 8.7% of drivers having at least one speeding violation on their record. This rate is more than double the national average of 4.1%. Other states with high rates of speeding tickets include Wisconsin and Ohio, both at 7.8%, and Iowa and Idaho, both at 7.1%
Readers’ pet of the day
“Jackson Browne (’cause he’s somebody’s baby), Shih Tzu, age 8, is a great nomadic companion. Seldom barks, gets along with everyone, loves to look out the window from his elevated car seat and, like me, loves the miles rolling underneath our wheels.” —Diana Davidson
Send us a photo of your pet with a short description. We publish one each weekday in RV Daily Tips and in our Sunday RV Travel newsletter. No blurry photos, please! 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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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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RE: Today’s Thought.
Just Imagine…
why is there no coverage of the destruction of at least 2 campgrounds in Texas ?
It is literally on every major news channel. That isn’t enough?
Plus, there is much more widespread destruction and loss of life.
The campgrounds are a very small part of it.
We winter in Hill Country. Most of the national news focus has been on the Guadeloupe River – not to downplay it, it is horrific. And yes they will be pulling multiple RVs and houses out of either the river or the downstream reservoir for some time to come. However the region of flooding extends to a much larger area to include the Colorado River watershed and the San Gabriel River watershed – and other places. Lives were also lost there and there are still people missing. The Rio Grande also saw substantial flooding. Rather than just talk about it, please consider a donation through a respected charitable organization.
Hi, Phillip. Yesterday, we posted an article about the devastating floods and campgrounds that were affected, and we’ll continue to post updates throughout the week.
https://www.rvtravel.com/texas-hill-country-devastated-flash-floods-rv-park-swept-minutes/
The Trivia is more about the state that chooses strict enforcement, versus those that don’t aggressively enforce the traffic laws.
And camera’s. (Iowa for one)
I agree!
As we travel we often see cars doing 15 – 20+ mph over the limit fly by Highway Patrol or Sheriff’s cars sitting in the median and nothing. Or next time you are in a construction zone with traffic going 15 or 20 over the limit past workers just feet away, try to find those cameras supposedly “photo enforcing” the limit.
Jackson Brown is adorable…shih tzus have the BEST personalities and make awesome companions!
Adorable guage is on Full, Not Running on Empty.
It’s cow appreciation day? Time to go out and appreciate a cow, one steak at a time.
Or order the ribs or salmon!
The day I put my sewer hose in the freezer, it will be the day I officially become “trailer trash”.
The tip is about putting the new “fittings” in the freezer not the stinky slinky. Although, someone out there may be doing that. Not the smartest thing but it wouldn’t surprise me.
I wouldn’t put any sewer fitting in my freezer … new or old.
Well, you could sanitize it first. But that new sewer fitting is likely just as clean or cleaner than the bag of frozen peas, and probably has been handled less.
Oh Diana – many here would take Jackson Browne as their baby! He’s a lucky guy! Thanks for sharing.
RE Trivia: When talking about speeding tickets in Wisconsin, it is because of strong enforcement (as in pay up on the spot). Coming in from Michigan, it was rare to not spot a squad car shortly over the border. Although over the past couple years, I have seen more Wisconsin plated cars going +5 (or +10) than in the past.
I live in Texas. What are these “speeding tickets” to which you refer?
Really great issue today- thanks!
👍👍 Thanks, Drew. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
When I drive the hiways in ND I often wonder if there are any highway patrol in the state! Cars and trucks fly by me at about 72 – with the current limit at 75. I think most of the tickets are written in areas like Fargo and Bismarck and others where the speed limit is reduced from 75 to 55 with ample notice. Most stops I see are in these areas – rather than on open roads. With the new 80 mph limit I guess 85 or 90 will be normal even tho the state increased the fines and said there is no allowance above the limit – like they have said every time they increase the speed limit!!!
….I sit on my deck in the am and pm with coffee or a beer and the noise increases dramatically with the traffic speed increase and I am two blocks from I-29 and 10 miles out of town! Can you picture the inside of a little 4 cylinder engine and small tires on a small car at 80 mph? I also hear an occasional truck tire blow out!
National Cow Appreciation Day immediately made me wonder what Eve Dallas’ reaction/response would be. Ha!
Jackson looks like a real sweetie. Shih Tzus are such amazing little dogs, we lost ours in April, almost made it to 17 years. I sure miss him.
I’m so sorry to hear about your little dog, Kathy. Was that Gizmo? If so, I loved that picture you sent in of him with his “static head.” He looked like such a sweetheart (and like a little “character”).💖 It’s so hard to lose our furry family members. Been there, done that so many times…and it doesn’t get any easier. Take care.🤗 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Thank you, Emily and Diane! Have a great day and safe travels!