Issue 2691
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
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Junk Food Day!
On this day in history: 1865 – In the market square of Springfield, Missouri, Wild Bill Hickok shoots and kills Davis Tutt in what is regarded as the first documented Western quick-draw duel.
POPULAR ARTICLE: Why RVers should be using truckers’ road atlases
Tip of the day
Don’t run appliances that use water when away from your RV
By Nanci Dixon
Recently, as I was casually sifting through a mass of emails, I glanced at one from Geico Insurance and almost deleted it. Good thing I read through it first. What caught my eye in it was the list of things that could cause a water disaster. As we all know, water is an archenemy of RVs.
I already know to turn the outside water faucet off when leaving the RV for a few days (or during freeze warnings). But this was different. It was a warning about not running appliances that use water when away from home. That home could be a sticks-and-bricks or an RV. Continue reading.
Bonus tips from this weekend:
- Do roof coatings actually stop roof leaks? RV tech weighs in
- An important guide to getting medical help while on the road
- Stop immediately if you hear this sound in your RV
- How many solar panels you need for your RV
Ask Dave
Should RV solar panels be covered during storage?
Dear Dave,
My RV has solar panels and lithium batteries. Is it smart to cover the panels during times of storage? —Alan, 2020 Fox Mountain 5th wheel Read Dave’s answer.
Gadget makes RV battery maintenance EASY!
Dustin Simpson writes, “Maintaining the distilled water in your RV battery has never been simpler! This 2-quart battery filler design has been around for years and offers a convenient spring-loaded filler valve that helps keep any shop, garage, or workplace clean. It’s perfect for checking and filling water in your RV batteries. This easy-to-use maintenance tool takes the annoying chore out of watering batteries.” Find it here.
In the RV shop with Dustin
Be sure this important part of your RV doesn’t come loose!
An RV owner in one of my Facebook groups wrote, “I noticed this part on my RV separating. Can this be repaired or should I just apply caulking to it?” Routine inspection and maintenance are very important when it comes to inspecting the exterior of the units. In this example, we had actually released a YouTube video advising owners about this same issue.
RANDOM RV THOUGHT: Before buying an RV, be sure to check out the positions of all electrical outlets. They may be terrible positions, even absent from certain areas, like the kitchen or next to your bed. (We wrote about this here.)
Article and video
The wild story of the Rectrans Discoverer, a 1970s motorhome way ahead of its time
By Cheri Sicard
According to the team at Green Hawk Drive, who specialize in vehicles from the 1960s and ’70s, vintage campers from the 1970s usually blend together—a parade of boxy Winnebagos, sturdy Fords, and dependable GMs. But sometimes something sticks out that’s so polarizing you have to stop and take a closer look. For example…
The latest news for RVers
- Grand Canyon North Rim closed for season. Wildfire destroys lodge
- Visitors may not see the strain, but national parks are operating with thinner teams
- RV trip planning? 10 states with highest and lowest gas prices
- Amazon’s internet satellites just got a lift… from Starlink?
- Ford recalls 850,000+ rigs for bad fuel pumps – F-series trucks included
- Good news! Iconic Roy Rogers Restaurants are back!
To read more recent news, click here.
Don’t come up short!
Sometimes your 50-amp power cord is not quite long enough! That’s when this 15-foot extension cord will come in very handy. Sure, you can use a wimpy orange extension cord with an adapter — and risk burning up the cord, ruining appliances, or maybe even burning up your rig! With this cord along you’re all set. Learn more or order.
Featured article
How I quickly found a doctor while RVing
By Nanci Dixon
We finished a bucket list tour of Washington, D.C. But all of a sudden, three days before the mostly walking tour started, I could barely hobble. I knew it was plantar fasciitis acting up big time (again). But worse. I needed a doctor and probably a steroid shot, too, but we were 2,300 miles away from my doctor! So, now what? How did I find a doctor while RVing? Find out here.
Reader poll
How much of your clothing do you buy on Amazon?
Quick tip
Feeling flush? Your toilet likes more water!
When you step on the pedal to flush the toilet, hold it down for a while. Most RV toilets have another pedal position that will allow you to add water without flushing. If the flush contains toilet paper, and plenty of water is available, fill the bowl with water and then flush. More water in the black tank will make it easier for the enzymes to work if you use many types of black tank treatment. — From “So, you want to be an RVer? And Enjoy the RV Lifestyle? [Revised]” Available on Amazon.
Speaking of toilets: According to a recent survey of RVtravel.com readers, what percent will always or most often use their RV’s toilet when a clean restroom is close by? 65%, 35% or 12%? Find out.
Website of the day
Alaska.org
Heading to Alaska soon or thinking about planning a trip? (Come on, it’s a DREAM RV destination!) Start your planning here.
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Can chopping vegetables be “cute?” Oh, you betcha! And this is how!
Trivia
The very first U.S. dollar bill was issued in 1862 and featured a portrait of Salmon P. [Portland] Chase. Chase was the then-sitting U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. He remained on the dollar bill until 1869, when his portrait was replaced with the first U.S. President, George Washington. However, years later Chase reappeared on the $10,000 bill, a certificate used to trade currency between banks.
Readers’ pet of the day
“We rescued Mia (Border Collie/Spitz mix) 7 years ago (now age 9), and she is the most engaged dog I’ve ever had. She has been absolutely wonderful from the first day, understands everything we say, and travels like a pro.” —Carol Scott
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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Mia is a beautiful pup. I bet you are so glad she rescued you! Don
Oh Mia has such a sweet and beautiful look🥰🐶
If anyone is thinking about taking the journey to Alaska…try to avoid the tourist traps as there plenty of other things to see and do…and don’t forget the DEET.
Congratulations on the bond you have forged with Mia, Carol! May you have many wonderful trips together for years to come. Thank you, Emily and Diane! I agree; the Alaska.org website is incredible. I used it heavily in making sure my “Traveling to Alaska” seminars were complete. We also used it heavily in planning and preparing for this summer’s trip to Alaska. Great source! Have a great week and safe travels!