Issue 2693
Today’s thought
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is Gorgeous Grandma Day!
On this day in history: 1903 – The Ford Motor Company sells its first car.
Tip of the day
No mess, no hassle RV sewer hose storage tips
By Gail Marsh
We’ve had several “adventures” with our sewer hose. In our first RV, the previous owner stored the hose in the RV’s hollow rear bumper. We did the same. It seemed like the perfect place, and so convenient. The hose stayed far, far away from our other RV equipment. No worries about cross-contamination or lingering odors. It was perfect.
That is, until on our third trip out the bumper cap came off and the sewer hose vibrated completely out of the bumper! Clueless, we arrived at the campground without a sewer hose. Worse, we were hours away from a store that sold them. The experience cured us of the bumper storage idea. Continue reading.
Ask Dave
Just bought “mint condition” 1989 Winnebago. Should we install 12-volt fridge and A/C?
Dear Dave,
We are upgrading our stellar find of a 1989 Winnebago, garage-kept with 20k miles. Yes, the statement is real… It is like a time capsule. The previous owners used it to travel to Disney and the beach, and were very conscientious about cleaning. Everything is in great shape. We are swapping out the fridge and A/C with the 12v models Dometic DCM 4101 and OutEquipPro 11500 inverter…. Continue reading Ali’s question and Dave’s answer.
In the RV shop with Dustin
The significance of RV insert moldings
Explore the significance of RV insert moldings in my video, uncovering how these essential components contribute to the structural integrity, weather resistance, and overall aesthetics of your RV. Learn why attention to detail in insert moldings can enhance the longevity and functionality of your RVs.
Stay cool by using this portable, battery-operated ceiling fan anywhere!
This is pretty cool, isn’t it? This portable, battery-operated ceiling fan can hang anywhere like: over the picnic table, over your bed, over your hammock, over your desk, even over the BBQ… see? Anywhere! And it’s battery-operated and USB-rechargeable, so you don’t have to worry about outlets or long extension cords. This is the perfect summer gadget to keep cool. Learn more or order.
POPULAR ARTICLE: Why RVers should be using truckers’ road atlases
Article and video
Check out this stunning wooden Airstream restoration
By Cheri Sicard
In today’s video, we join Carsteve_Ourworld and Airstream owner Piers for a tour of an incredible and unusual wood-paneled Airstream restoration like no other I have ever seen. You really need to watch the video to get a true appreciation for the craftsmanship that went into this Airstream restoration. The inside is equally as breathtaking as the outside.
Featured article
RVers’ day touring the incredible Avenue of the Giants
By Nanci Dixon
The Avenue of the Giants is a 32-mile scenic drive winding around the enormous redwood trees. It stretches from Scotia, California, in the north, to Garberville, California, to the south, paralleling Hwy. 101, the Redwood Coast Highway. Our first five miles on the Avenue of the Giants were in our 40’ motorhome towing a car. Not for the faint of heart, but the Avenue of the Giants Campground owner had assured me that was the best way to get to the campground. And what a nicely laid-out and kept-up campground it was! Continue reading.
Reader poll
Do you have a library card?
• CURRENT WILDFIRE REPORT
• CURRENT SMOKE REPORT
Quick tip
What’s important when used motorhome shopping?
Overall condition: Look for RVs in good to excellent shape. Avoid units that need work, are unfinished projects, have sat unused, show signs of neglect, or have any evidence of water damage.
Drivability: Don’t take the seller’s word—test drive it yourself. Some motorhomes, even new ones, handle poorly and may require thousands in upgrades to drive safely. Take it on the highway and get it up to 60 mph. If it takes a death grip on the wheel to stay in your lane, walk away.
Floor plan: Make a list of your “must-haves” and “deal breakers” in a layout. Use it to quickly rule out units that don’t fit your needs. From “Buying a Used Motorhome – How to get the most for your money and not get burned.”
BUMPER SNICKER: “Never do anything you wouldn’t want to explain to the paramedics.”
SCAM ALERT:
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is warning Californians to avoid advertisements that claim to offer discounted DMV services. The scam uses social media posts to offer 50% off vehicle registration renewal fees. “We do not offer discounts, and we never conduct official business through social media or other unofficial channels,” said DMV Director Steve Gordon.
On this day last year…
- Ask Dave: Some like it hot – But not your RV roof air conditioner!
- RV walk-through: 2024 Four Wheel Campers Raven pop-up truck camper—packed full of features
- Featured article: Gadget prevents RV catalytic converter thefts
Website of the day
All About Birds
If you’re into birdwatching or just enjoy birds in general, you’ll have fun exploring this everything-bird website from CornellLab. You’ll find bird news, live cams, birdwatching gear, bird identification and much more. Tweet tweet! (That’s how you say “Have fun exploring!” in bird… we think…)
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
OMG! Do you remember these? We could always see them, but some people couldn’t! Could you?
Trivia
The very first book ever sold on Amazon.com was called “Fluid Concepts And Creative Analogies: Computer Models Of The Fundamental Mechanisms Of Thought” by Douglas Hofstadter. Back in 1995, computer scientist John Wainwright ordered this book for some “light bedtime reading.” Although Wainwright kept the book and its packaging as a memento of his first Amazon order, the book, to this day, nearly three decades later, still shows up in his order history. (In case you’re curious, here’s the book.)
Readers’ pets of the day
“Boont (Red Heeler, 15) is named after a favorite amber ale, and Tasha (fuzzy grey mutt, 5) came with her name. They’re from different rescue groups in the Tampa Bay area. My wonderful senior guy needs a ramp to get in/out of TT and truck now, but still loves when we get out to new places. Tasha has come along nicely with becoming a good camp dog (and although she looks huge, she actually only weighs 25 pounds to Boont’s 50). They race to their crate when we are heading out at home or on the road due to some frozen pumpkin and yogurt they get to enjoy.” —Terri Readdy
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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Visit Current National Radar Weather Map
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RVtravel.com All-Star Team
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Merlin Bird ID is an excellent app!!
I agree. I love using the sound ID. I then look for any birds not on my life list.
Amen!
The poll about library card use would not work. It just took me to a bank website. This has happened before, too.
Sorry, Janice. There have been almost 800 votes in that poll. Since I haven’t seen any other comments from folks having trouble with it, I’m assuming it’s something going on with your device. In any event, we apologize for the inconvenience. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
They must want you to pay the fine for the overdue books. 🙂
The Scam alert does not just pertain to the DMV.
There are numerous ones for Health Insurance, Auto insurance and most other services.
Common sense prevails.
I never reply to any unsolicited emails, phone calls or texts.
If you have access to external power, consider this fan rather than the battery powered unit shown in the tips. For a couple bucks more, you will have essentially the same fan, but lighter without the batteries, also means it can run as long as you have external power. And it has essentially the same remote control.
Boont and Tasha are such precious and sweet doggies! It is always amazing that our dogs love to RV, Camp and Travel just as we do too!!!🐶🥰
I use my library card to access kanopy and hoopla for movies. Hoopla can access you to the books as well. I use mine a lot especially when the streaming services says pay for the movie? Go to hoopla or kanopy. I find them there for free.
Thank you, Emily and Diane! Have a great day and safe travels!