Issue 2687
Today’s thought
“Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It’s splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National I Love Horses Day!
On this day in history: 1799 – The Rosetta Stone is found in the Egyptian village of Rosetta by French Captain Pierre-François Bouchard during Napoleon’s Egyptian Campaign.
BREAKING: The North Rim of the Grand Canyon has been closed for the 2025 season due to a devastating wildfire that has destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and other structures. The fire has grown to more than 5,700 acres. Learn more.
Tip of the day
How to waterproof fabric: Turn old sheets into waterproof tarps
By Cheri Sicard
Tarps, and especially waterproof tarps, are common multi-tasking items to have among your camping and RV supplies. But did you know you can make waterproof tarps easily yourself by recycling old sheets? Here, we’ll learn how to waterproof fabric.
Water repellent sheets can especially be handy for campers and RVers for covering things on rainy days, or hanging shade from an awning, or providing a dry space to picnic upon. You could even use the technique to make your own custom shower curtains. Continue reading and learn more.
More tips from this weekend you may have missed:
- 10 mosquito-busting hacks every RVer needs to know
- How I live large in a small RV space
- Fooling around on the road: A guide to RV lovemaking
- Don’t pay for more solar than you need, part three
- Why you should consider applying an RV roof coating
Ask Dave
Fifth wheel’s LP leak detector beeps only when being towed. Truck exhaust?
Dear Dave,
I just read your article on propane safety and I have a question. The propane detector in our 5th wheel is 3 years old and it beeps when we are traveling, never when we are stationary or camping. When I hit the cancel button, it stops. Could the exhaust from the truck be causing the alarm to sound? —Deborah, fifth wheel Read Dave’s answer.
Very worthwhile book! Van and RV Camping in State Forests
Our friends at Roundabout Publications have done it again—they’ve published another helpful book for RVers. This one is for RV camping at 585 camping areas in 298 forests across 25 states. Save money by camping on public lands managed by government agencies. Having this book will save you money! Learn more or order.
Article and video
RV oddities: Ruben’s Armadillo, a ’56 VW bus/Airstream hybrid
By Cheri Sicard
Tucked away in Menon, California, Ruben Martin brought to life a project few would dare attempt: a unique blend of a classic 1956 VW bus and an Airstream trailer. Inspired by a diecast model and driven by a stubborn vision, Ruben poured two years of work, sweat, and creativity into this rolling piece of automotive art. The result? A fully functional, vintage RV that turns heads and sparks curiosity everywhere it goes. This is amazing!
Featured article
This truck camper’s position on pickup scares us
Wait until you see this photo that came to us via our Facebook Group RV Crashes and Disasters. We cringed when we first saw it (and we still do). We wondered how far this truck camper could go before ending up in an accident. This is crazy!
Reader poll
Do you use your own RV toilet even when a clean restroom is close by?
Quick tip
Hints for downsizing to full-time RV (or for any reason)
Pick up each item and ask yourself if it sparks joy. In other words, does it make you happy? If not, get rid of it. Sort by category, not location. Don’t start with the bedrooms, and then the study, and then the kitchen, etc. Do all of your clothes and then all your books, and so on. Tidy each category all at one time. Don’t do a little bit today and more tomorrow. You’ll never get finished. Go through all of your clothes at one time and then all of your books at one time. Don’t keep gifts just because you would feel guilty if you threw them away. After you have experienced the joy of the gift-giving moment, you can donate the gift without feeling guilty. The gift has served its purpose. From Secrets of RVing on Social Security: How to Enjoy the Motorhome and RV Lifestyle While Living on Your Social Security Income. Available on Amazon.
On this day last year…
- Tip: Creative ways to live every day like you’re on vacation
- Ask Dave: RV refrigerator hot weather tips; install fridge fan?
- RV review: 2024 Starcraft GSL Light Duty Fifth Wheel 234RLS—Yep, Starcraft
- Video: Video shows RV exploding. How to prevent it happening to you
Website of the day
The 23 Best Aquariums in the U.S.
We know summer should be spent outside, but sometimes it’s just too hot to be outside. Aquariums are the perfect place to spend a hot day, and all the water will make you feel extra cool!
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
You most likely have these… all RVers and campers do. But have you looked at yours lately? Are they rusty? Are they crusty? Well, maybe replacing them isn’t such a bad idea…
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:
• If they became suddenly very rich, 23 percent say they would immediately buy a new, high-end RV.
• 8 percent believe we will most certainly establish a base on the moon within the next five years.
• If the speed limit is 60 mph, the majority of people, 56 percent, say they will stick to the speed limit – not any faster, not any slower. (If you’re curious, 14 percent will go faster and the remaining 31 percent will go slower.)
Recent poll: Do you like to RV travel with a planned itinerary or just be spontaneous?
Trivia
The most covered Beatles song of all time is “Yesterday.” Other popular favorites such as “Hey Jude” and “With a Little Help From My Friends” have been covered many times, but none as many as “Yesterday,” which has been covered more than 2,200 times. You can listen to some of the covers on YouTube.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Pancho (Sheltie and Rat Terrier mix) was such a sweet and fun boy! He loved chasing tennis balls and frisbees. Sadly, he died in January of 2024.” —Vicki Schildroth
We’re so sorry for the loss of your sweet Pancho, Vicki. He has such a wonderful, sweet face.
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!
Leave here with a laugh
Today’s weather forecast across the nation
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Current fire and smoke map from AirNow
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RVtravel.com All-Star Team
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I’m still in deep mourning from the fires at the North Rim. It took a piece of my soul. Only those people that have experienced the area will fully understand.
The surrounding forest area was my favorite camping spot and second home. The forest will never return in my lifetime. Very sad.
We were fortunate to book a last minute cabin for one night at Grand Canyon North Rim two weeks ago. We feel so fortunate to have had the experience and will cherish the memories for the rest of our days.
I took my husband to the North Rim (his first time there) 3 years ago. We drove past miles of burn areas from wildfires as I remembered the former beauty from visits 60 years ago. It’s devastating to know all those lovely buildings are no more.
I agree that Pancho has such a sweet face. I’m sorry for your loss. He is most likely chasing tennis balls and frisbees on the other side of the rainbow bridge.
Pancho was a beautiful and sweet doggie. We are glad you gave him love and an enjoyable life traveling, playing and having fun together!🐶
Very sorry for your loss, Vicki. 🙁 I hope that you find some comfort from your recollection of all the fun shared with Pancho. Thank you, Emily and Diane. The overmatched truck with the strapped truck camper made me think that the truck needs separate brake pedals for the two drive wheels. In the event that the front tires do leave the ground, it could be steered by judicious application of the two brake pedals. At least that is what I do when a load overmatches our farm tractor and the front wheels leave the ground, so long as they are not far from the ground. 😉 Have a great day and safe travels!
Great edition from the number one RV forum in the known universe.
I know how hard it is to lose a dog. I have been there too many times. I like most dogs better than most people.
I know it has to be hard to make the right decision on fighting forest fires. But we have seen the results of bad decision making at Yellowstone, in California and other places. Residential areas and building should get first priority. I’m not sure why they don’t have a large sprinkler system run off a generator to start watering the immediate area around the building and the building themselves. They need to start looking at clearing brush and trees from areas close to buildings and start using fire resistant materials in new construction. History seems to keep repeating itself.
Pancho was a great looking dog. Sorry you lost him. If only their lifespans were longer! Thanks for sharing.