Issue 2686
Today’s thought
“No matter what he does, every person on earth plays a central role in the history of the world. And normally he doesn’t know it.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Tape Measure Day! Wow! That’s exciting!😉
On this day in history: 1881 – American outlaw Billy the Kid is shot and killed by Sheriff Pat Garrett in the Maxwell House at Fort Sumner, New Mexico.
Tip of the day
The worst tip ever for preventing RV theft!
By Dave Helgeson
A recent tip on a social media site recommended pulling the breakaway switch to prevent RV theft. The author likens it to setting the parking brake on a car and pulling the key out of the ignition, preventing a thief from hooking up and towing it away. Thankfully, since this is the worst tip I have ever read, the post was removed shortly after I read it. This was most likely the worst tip ever for preventing RV theft.
I will explain why it was a bad idea. But first, let’s review the function of a breakaway switch for those who may not fully understand. Continue reading.
Ask Dave
RV furnace smells like rodent urine. Is there a filter to change?
Dear Dave,
We just purchased this RV and the furnace smells like rodent urine. Is there a filter for the furnace? How can I get rid of the smell? —Kathryn, 2003 National RV Dolphin 6320 Read Dave’s answer.
RANDOM RV THOUGHT: Here is the definition of freedom to an RVer: “A full gas tank, a full propane tank, a full water tank and empty holding tanks.” Add to that full cupboards, a full refrigerator, a map or GPS device, and lots of free time. At that point an RVer’s life is approaching a perfect state.
In the RV shop with Dustin
Gadgets help keep RV black tanks stink-free and clean
Today, I want to introduce you to the Camco RV Holding Tank Swivel Stik Rinser, along with a few other gadgets which help keep your RV’s black tank from clogging, stay odor-free, and work properly. Learn more here.
Article and video
Heli-Home: The 1970s flying camper that captivated America
By Cheri Sicard
In September 1977, a bold illustration graced the cover of Popular Mechanics featuring a flying camper with the headline “Flying Campers: Go Where You’ve Never Been Before.” The image promised pure freedom—a fully equipped kitchen for cooking your latest catch, a TV for evening relaxation, and a cozy living space sailing through the skies. While Popular Mechanics was known for wild ideas, this time the dream was real.
Keep your glove box organized for once!
This glove box organizer will change your life! Find what you need quickly, when you need it. It has six pockets inside and out for your vehicle’s or RV’s manuals, insurance cards, registrations and more. It even has space for a pen or tire gauge and comes with a notepad. Learn more or order.
The latest news for RVers
- Rushing water, missing families — The human toll of the Texas July 4 flood
- Texas Hill Country devastated by flash floods; RV park swept away in minutes (including donation links)
- Are Amazon Prime Day deals really a bargain for RVers?
- Matched funding program restores public lands while training youth
- Illicit behavior while driving stolen RV – Oh, my!
To read more recent news, click here.
Featured article
How, and why, to install insect screens on your RV vents
By Gail Marsh
We recently removed our non-working RV refrigerator from our fifth wheel. As we worked, we noticed several mud dauber nests inside the compartment where the refrigerator rests. We cleared out the nests and thoroughly cleaned the entire area before installing a new fridge. Once we discovered the wasp nests, I finally realized how wasps were accessing our RV’s interior. Continue reading.
Reader poll
In general, how often do you do laundry?
Quick tip
“Polish” off those pesky ants
Here’s a “one we haven’t tried, but” tip: Reader PennyPA swears by the use of Glade furniture spray—not just for quick dust-ups, but for chasing pesky ants out of your rig. Says our informant: “(1) It’s safer to use around pets (but still follow the instructions); (2) It kills the ants immediately and if you spray along a trail of them, it kills the ants on the trail and acts as a repellent for almost a week; (3) It’s much less expensive than ant spray; and (4) It smells so much better than ant spray! We currently are using apple/cinnamon but, so far, it appears any fragrance will work.” She adds a cautionary note—unless you like the sound of your smoke alarm, keep the spray away from it. Thanks, PennyPA!
Website of the day
CharityWatch.org
Want to know if a charity is legit? How they’re using your money? This is the website for that!
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
You can get the newer version of this and pay more, but it’s pretty much the same thing and this one is a great price! ALL RVers love this! If you already have one, we know you love it!
Trivia
Even though Henry Ford takes the credit for inventing the first assembly line in the U.S., the title actually goes to Ransom E. Olds. Olds’ car, the Curved Dash Oldsmobile, first manufactured at the turn of the century, was the first to be completed by assembly line. The only difference was that Olds’ assembly line worked when the workers moved down the line, not the car, and Ford’s worked when the car moved down the line, not the workers.
Readers’ pets of the day
“Ginger and Lola (Fox Red Lab and French Bulldog, ages 2 years and 8 months) are inseparable. They love each other as much as they love traveling in the fifth wheel. Run and play till they drop, then curl up and sleep.” —Bud Smith
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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RVtravel.com All-Star Team
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Rub a soap bar across the ant trail. Breaks the scent path.
First time ever! No comments on anything by anybody-8:59 am- Mon. 7-14-
You just MIGHT need a hobby. 😄
Good morning, Jesse. I guess you missed the comment that came in from Tom at 5:46.🤔 (Plus several comments on individual posts.) Have a great day! 😀 –Diane
IMO, spend the money and buy the version with the attached hood. You will get a LOT more use out of the unit and if like us, the griddle stays outside our RV, it is a lot easier to put a weather cover over the unit – without a lid, the cover will touch the griddle surface and promote rust. I did not do this, then had a tough time getting a hood, and spent more than buying the unit with the hood in the 1st place.
Information only… Dragon Bravo fire in Arizona took out the North Rim Lodge on the Grand Canyon over the weekend….
Darling Pups!
So wonderful Ginger and Lola have each other.
thanks for sharing Bud.
We have a red fox lab, also, our second. Now we have three in the family as our sons have them, too. They can’t be beat for all around great dogs.
“Random RV Thought” also add …and 100,000 lbs GVWR!
Thank you, Emily and Diane! Have a great week and safe travels!