Issue 2706
Today’s thought
“The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, not the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when you discover that someone else believes in you and is willing to trust you with a friendship.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Play in the Sand Day!
On this day in history: 1929 – Babe Ruth becomes the first baseball player to hit 500 home runs in his career with a home run at League Park in Cleveland, Ohio.
Tip of the day
Which are better, white or black tire covers?
By RV tire expert, Roger Marble
There were a few posts on the internet recently about the value of RV tire covers and the question of color was mentioned. While I have seen white, black, tan, and silver tire covers, I have only tested white and black.
For some time, I have been reading posts and advertisements about tire covers and UV protection. As an engineer, I prefer FACTS over sales PR. While I live in Ohio, we do occasionally get clear skies. Let’s put these two colors to the test and see which is better.
More tips from this weekend you may have missed:
- RV inspector’s top 4 RV slide out tips
- What are the three best RV air conditioners?
- Taking care of RV awnings: Prevent weather damage and sun peeling
Ask Dave
Why does RV awning operate opposite direction of what switch says?
Dear Dave,
What would cause the power switch for my awning to suddenly reverse operation? In order to put the awning out, I have to push the “in” toggle, and I have to push the “out” toggle to retract it. —Andrew, 2021 Forest River VIBE 28RL Read Dave’s answer.
In the RV shop with Dustin
Why adding a front cap second roof molding to your RV is a good idea
Adding a front cap second roof molding to your RV is an excellent way to enhance the security and integrity of your RV’s roof membrane. This additional molding helps to secure the roof membrane in place, providing added protection against potential damage from wind, water, and debris. It also helps to maintain the roof’s shape and structural integrity, reducing the risk of sagging or stretching over time. Continue reading.
Article and video
A historic look at the fascinating road to Lake Tahoe
By Cheri Sicard
A recent drive along Highway 50 from Placerville, CA, to the south shore of Lake Tahoe had everyone in the vehicle marveling at the scenic road whizzing by under our wheels. We couldn’t help but wonder what it took to build the road to Lake Tahoe. We didn’t have to wonder, as in this video, the team from Sacramento Archives Crawl shows us. Travelers racing across El Dorado County on today’s Highway 50 reach Lake Tahoe in less than two hours. But step back in time, and the trip was a true feat of grit, teamwork, and patience. This is amazing!
RANDOM RV THOUGHT: RVing is great no matter what the weather. If it’s pleasant outdoors, then you can hike, swim, fish, or just hang around camp and snooze on your lawn chair. If the weather is cold and dreary, or rainy, you can simply hole up inside your little house and be as comfy as can be.
The latest news for RVers
- BLM identifies 6 million acres that could be sold—map shows where
- Virtual tool helps RVers choose the best campsites and avoid bad ones
- Scam alert: Beware of unsolicited packages
- Grand Canyon’s Dragon Bravo wildfire now a ‘megafire’
- Los Angeles parking lot brings relief for homeless RVers
To read more recent news, click here.
Featured article
Readers share their RV insurance experiences
By Cheri Sicard
Because we have been hearing some horror stories about insurance companies using ANY possible excuse to deny a claim, we asked you if you had experience with this. The answers and experiences you, our readers, had were varied but the very first one we got was from someone who carries no RV insurance at all! We highly suggest remedying this as, if you get in an accident, you could lose everything and you would find yourself 100% on the hook. Here are about a dozen reader experiences.
Reader poll
Close your eyes. Listen carefully. Do you hear automotive traffic?
DON’T LEAVE THE CHICKENS AT HOME! Yep, you heard us! Bring your “pet” chickens with you on your RV travels! This RVer did it…
Quick tip
Use a departure checklist
In my early days of RVing there was one time when I had done everything I was supposed to and was ready to pull out. When I looked in my left side mirror, I could only see the side of my RV. I couldn’t see behind it. I wondered how that mirror got knocked out of alignment. Then I realized that there was nothing wrong with the mirror. The problem was that I had not put the slide in. I was looking at the slide. From that point on I used a checklist, and like Santa Claus, I check it twice. I should have known to use a checklist. All pilots religiously use a takeoff and a landing checklist. Having a checklist (and always using it) will make your RVing safer, less stressful, and more enjoyable. From — RVing: Less Hassle—More Joy: Secrets of Having More Fun with Your RV—Even on a Limited Budget. Available on Amazon And Here is a very useful checklist from Gail Marsh for when you’re departing the campground.
Website of the day
Podcast: National Park After Dark
For those that love true crime, mystery, and the beautiful U.S. National Parks, we think you’ll enjoy this podcast. Two friends, Cassie and Danielle, host this podcast about the dark things that go on in our parks… and the people that never leave…
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Is it hot outside right now? If it is, this will help keep you (and your RV) cool. Plus, this is great for extra privacy, too.
Trivia
If you ever find yourself in Japan in the fall, specifically in the Osaka region, you may be treated to fried maple leaves! That’s right, it’s a long-standing tradition to eat the beautiful fall foliage. Every fall, people gather the leaves of Japanese maples, clean and dry them, then coat them with a sweet tempura batter before deep frying them. Take a look at these pictures—it looks delicious! Would you try it?
Readers’ pet of the day
“This is Layla (Shih Tzu mix, age 6.5) waiting for her Greenie dental treat. She’s a lover. She has a shirt that says ‘Caution: Can’t control my licker.'” —Larry Fuchs
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
THIS MAP UPDATES TWICE A DAY
Visit Current National Radar Weather Map
Current fire and smoke map from AirNow
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RVtravel.com All-Star Team
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I did that with clothes and wound up with nothing to wear as my wife refused to let me out the door in my birthday suit and commented my “streaking days” were over. Last done in my college days with “mass quantities” of beer.
Layla clearly loves her greenies. I trained my dog to allow me to cut her nails using greenies as reward (took about 6 months) dogs can’t resist Greenies.
thanks for sharing
Layla is so cute, keep on camping!
We have used a checklist from day one of camping, my husband is a list guy. Pieces of paper all over the house 🙂 It has saved our bacon more than once.
Layla is a cutie! I had a shih tzu so I am partial but she is extra cute with her expectant expression.
Regarding checklists, I need a reminder to check the checklist. String on my finger, entry in my cell phone calendar, note on my steering wheel, but did I remember to put a note ON my steering wheel?
Layla is gorgeous. Love the expression on her face.
As a relative newbie to RVing, I keep updating our checklists. We have 4: outside set up, inside set up, outside tear down, inside tear down. We laminated them and use a grease pencil to check them off, then erase them to use the next time if I don’t need to update it.
Sadly, I can relate to the laugh of the day. Thanks for the chuckle.
Layla is a real charmer – that look on her face could almost be the laugh of day! As I scrolled down and came upon her pic. I laughed out loud! I miss my Dalmatian and some of her wanton looks and antics as well.
Thank you, Emily and Diane! I am impressed by the speaker of today’s laugh. I could never hold any treadmill in my hand. Have a great week and safe travels!
Layla reminds me or our late Lady Lusinda.