Issue 2688
Today’s thought
“Keep smiling, because life is a beautiful thing and there’s so much to smile about.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Hot Dog Day!
On this day in history: 1935 – The world’s first parking meter is installed in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Tip of the day
Tips for staying safe when RVing alone
By Gail Marsh
A while ago, we ran a survey asking readers: “Couples: Would you likely keep traveling with an RV if your partner died?” The majority, 67 percent, answered, “Yes, I believe I would.” Many men seemed not worried in the least.
That got me to thinking. What would it take for me to feel comfortable (read: “safe”) when solo camping as a woman? After a bit of research to see what other women do (or have done), this is what I found…
Ask Dave
Why is RV ‘leveling jacks down’ light on with jacks retracted when driving?
Dear Dave,
My unit has hydraulic leveling jacks. On a few occasions I’ve experienced an alarm coming from the jack system while driving (the jacks are up). Continue reading Barrie’s questions and Dave’s answers.
In the RV shop with Dustin
Why regular RV refrigerator maintenance is essential for performance
RV refrigerators operate under different conditions compared to home refrigerators, facing unique challenges that can impact their performance and longevity. Whether you have a motorhome, fifth wheel, or travel trailer, it’s crucial to service your RV refrigerator annually to ensure it remains in optimal working condition. Here’s what you should know.
RANDOM RV THOUGHT: To people who live in one place and seldom travel, the view out their window is much the same every day. Seasons change, the weather changes, but the scene remains mostly constant. RVers and other travelers who move often from place to place thrive on the change of scenery, waking up one day in one place and then the next day in another. For avid travelers, a change of view is necessary and addictive. For many RVers, “today” may not be as important as the anticipation of tomorrow and the surprises it may bring.
Article and video
Using a horse stall mat as budget truck bed flooring
By Cheri Sicard
Building a comfortable camper in the back of a truck often means facing unexpected challenges. For anyone looking to outfit a truck with a camper bed, there’s a major issue right underfoot: those deep corrugations in the truck bed. Not only do they make walking awkward, but they set up a tough search for a floor material that’s water resistant, sturdy, and easy to remove. Continue reading and watch the video.
Featured article
Can I use my CPAP machine when I boondock? Yes, here’s how
By Nanci Dixon
One of RV Travel’s past surveys told us that 35 percent of readers use, or their partner uses, a CPAP machine. If you’re one of those people and struggle with where to keep your machine at night or while in transit, or don’t know how to use your machine when you boondock, this is for you.
Grip tape won’t let you slip
This heavy-duty grip tape sticks to any surface and gives you traction on things like your RV steps, ladder or roof, and at home on your deck or in your basement, or even on your boat. It’s good stuff to keep around. You can find it for a good price (and in multiple size rolls) here.
Reader poll
Do you ever get carsick?
Helpful resources
• NATIONAL TRAFFIC AND ROAD CLOSURE INFORMATION
• ROAD AND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS ACROSS THE NATION
• WEATHER ALERTS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
• LATEST RV RECALLS
• DIRECTORY OF RV PARKS WITH STORM SHELTERS
• THE BEST RV TRIP PLANNER APPS AND TOOLS
• CURRENT WILDFIRE REPORT
• CURRENT SMOKE REPORT
Did you buy a lemon RV? Here’s more about RV lemons and lawyers who will represent you if you need help.
Quick tip
LP appliances in slide-out warning
A reader, who asked to remain anonymous, passed this along: “Do you have any propane appliances in a slide-out? If so, most likely there’s a rubber propane hose that flexes every time you put your slide out or bring it in. Over time the rubber can dry out and can start to leak. The hose can also become kinked, preventing propane from flowing to the appliance(s). You should periodically check for problems before it becomes serious.” Thanks, Anon E. Mouse!
On this day last year…
- RV walk-through: 2024 Topo Toppers Rincon, a lightweight, customizable truck camper
- Video: Brilliant ways RVers can reuse plastic straws
- Featured article: No thanks, hotel room. I’ll take my RV any day!
Website of the day
100+ Cheap & Easy Dinner Recipes
This list from delish has more than a hundred delicious-sounding dinner recipes that are both affordable and easy to make. We like the sound of that! Check ’em out (and get hungry!).
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Did you know these existed? We didn’t! This is great! If you hate typing on your phone or tablet, this could make a big, big (well, little…) difference.
Celebrate National Hot Dog Day!
- Hot dog recipes perfect for year-round camping
- Camping evolution: As told by hot dogs
- America’s 23 best regional hot dogs
Trivia
The only building on the National Historic Landmark Registry outside of the U.S. is located in… If you guessed Morocco, you’re correct! The Tangier American Legation building in Tangier, Morocco, is the first and only piece of public property owned and maintained by the U.S. government outside of the U.S.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Sebastian (Shih Tzu, age 10), a rescue dog we adopted in Sequim, WA, is on the back of our lounge chair in our 5th wheel with a lazy eye on the lookout for critters that walk by the slide out. He is wearing his ‘bark ranger’ bandana from one of the Washington state parks and loves going RVing with us.” —Andy and Kathy Pitts
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
We were going to use this as today’s mystery product, but we thought it fit here better. Amen! Want one for yourself? Click here.
Today’s weather forecast across the nation
THIS MAP UPDATES TWICE A DAY
Visit Current National Radar Weather Map
Current fire and smoke map from AirNow
Did you miss the latest RV Travel Newsletter? If so, read it here.
Oh, and if you missed the Latest News for RVers, make sure to catch up here.
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RVtravel.com All-Star Team
Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.
An air quality map maybe as important as a weather map.
Sebastian looks to have the best seat in the place, as he journeys with his people! Don
Random Thought: The USAF gave me, and later my wife caught it too, an infestation of the travel bugs! Across more than 5 continents, have never been able to get rid of it.
Quick Tip: Great suggestion! While you’re there checking the LP hoses, also be sure to check the hose connection on your kitchen sink drain. Slides constantly extending/retracting have a similar effect, and you can find yourself with a water filled floor.
Sebastian looks like the perfect traveler!
thanks for sharing
Regarding the mystery product, if you have a tablet, better still is a good, protective keyboard case. Mine cost less than the example in your article. I am using one to type this comment. I do all my writing, trip planning, bill paying, etc. on it. It makes online searches a breeze. In fact, for the past 12 years I have rarely needed to use any other computer, since the tablet is included in my cell phone service plan. I nearly always have signal and constantly use it when we are traveling.
Thank you, Emily and Diane! Have a great day and safe travels!
I really wanted to see the list of the states with the10 best and worst gas prices, but it was nowhere to be found. Can you please try to post it again? We’re leaving on the 25th for a 7 week trip to the north west! Thanks
Sorry, Janet. After it was published it was found that the information wasn’t up to date, so we unpublished it. It’s been updated and will be published tomorrow. Sorry for the confusion/inconvenience. Have a good night. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com