Issue 2713
Today’s thought
“Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.” —Zig Ziglar
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Bacon Lover’s Day! Bacon jerky, anyone?
On this day in history: 1920 – The first commercial radio station, 8MK (now WWJ), begins operations in Detroit.
Tip of the day
Ways to use a bike storage tent when RVing
By Gail Marsh
Friends of ours are avid bicyclists. When they arrive at a campground, they set up a bike storage tent and house their expensive bicycles inside. My husband and I are more casual bikers. Our bikes are probably 20 years old and while we keep them in good condition, we’ve never had a bicycle tent. “Why would we get a bike tent?” my husband wanted to know. So, I told him about the uncommon ways RVers can use the tents. Perhaps some of these tips can help you, too. Check ’em out.
RV review
New 2026 r-pod RP-207—25-foot lightweight trailer improves on last year’s model
Josh the RV Nerd, of Bish’s RV, is back with another interesting video review of a new model RV. This time it’s the 2026 r-pod RP-207 lightweight travel trailer. Josh likes what he sees in the 25-foot model, but he does point out a few shortcomings. But, overall, Josh likes this brand-new unit, which he says improves on last year’s RP-205 model. Check it out.
Ask Dave
I want to remodel my RV. How do I know where I can drill?
Dear Dave,
I want to do some remodeling on my RV. For example, I want to take the sofa out and add more counter space. But to do so, I will need to screw into floors and walls. My questions: How do I know where it is safe to drill? How do I avoid wiring? Is there a diagram of what’s inside the walls? … I’ve seen a lot of videos of RV remodels and people seem to just pop screws in all over the place. No one ever discusses how to do this properly and safely. Thanks! —Connie, 2017 Thor ACE 29.4 Click here for Dave’s answer.
In the RV shop with Dustin
Quick tip: Furnace fan blade maintenance
Check and clean your RV’s furnace fan blades at least once a year, preferably before the heating season begins. However, if your RV is used frequently or if it is operated in dusty or debris-prone environments, checking the fan blades every six months may be advisable. Continue reading and learn more.
Easily clean those stubborn bugs off your RV
The Microfiber Mesh Bug and Tar Sponge has millions of tiny fibers embedded in the microfiber cloth that grabs and holds the dust and dirt. It is so effective it even cleans without chemicals, saving both time and money. The secret of this sponge lies in its unique, double-layer microfiber mesh. Older nylon bug sponges can harm your clear coat, but this one is completely paint safe. Learn more or order.
Article and video
RV inspector recommends the 3 best brands of used Class A motorhomes
By Cheri Sicard
Duane, our favorite certified RV inspector from the RV Inspection and Care YouTube channel, is back with his picks of the best brands for used Class A motorhomes. To help narrow down your search, Duane came up with the three best brands he has seen over the last 10 years or so and featured them in this video. This top three list contains diesel pushers as well as quality gas models.
Featured article
Can you use a dump station faucet to fill your RV’s freshwater tanks? Should you?
By Dave Helgeson
When it comes to RV travel, one of the critical concerns is maintaining a clean and safe potable freshwater tank. Finding a safe source of freshwater is especially important for those of us who boondock. A common question among RVers is whether it’s safe to use the water faucet at dump stations to fill their freshwater tanks. This topic has sparked lively discussions in RV communities, so let’s dive in.
Reader poll
How many times do you use the same bath towel before you wash it or grab a clean one?
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
• CURRENT WILDFIRE REPORT
• CURRENT SMOKE REPORT
BUMPER SNICKER: “My life is better than your vacation.”
Quick tip
Do you level your RV? Why you probably should
A common RV forum question: Should you level your RV at the end of the day? One typical reply: “I get it close unless it’s just overnight, then I don’t bother.” Bad idea, at least with an absorption-type fridge. One owner explains: “I’m on my second Dometic 4-door. I level METICULOUSLY every time and check each morning. I refuse to replace another one.” Absorption refrigerators must be level to work properly and avoid damage. Off-level use causes cumulative harm — even “just overnight.” If you can’t level, shut the fridge off.
On this day last year…
- Tip: Easy ways to declutter your RV bathroom
- RV walk-through: Is this the best camper van bed ever?
- Featured article: Finally, a gas lighter that works—without gas!
Website of the day
9 Scenic Canada Road Trips Within 2 Hours of the U.S. Border
It’s time to take a day trip (or a several-night trip) to these beautiful places within just two hours of the border. Sounds pretty nice, eh?
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Have you ever wanted to appear like you go to the gym every day? Well, if you carry this around the campground with you, everyone will think you’re the strongest person around! This made us laugh.
Trivia
Through the years, hundreds of thousands of letters have landed on Smokey Bear’s desk. He’s so popular that, in 1964, he was awarded one of only two personalized zip codes — the other was for the U.S. president. You can still write Smokey a letter at: Smokey Bear, Washington, D.C. 20252.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Rylie, our 7-year-old Golden Retriever, always feels that everyone she sees has to pet her. She loves to be outside exploring whatever campground we are visiting.” —Glenn Halpin
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
Current fire and smoke map from AirNow
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Golden Retrievers are such loving dogs. Rylie is living a good life.
I never would have thought of writing to Smokey the Bear. Thanks for that fun fact about having his own zip code.
Smokey Bear is his name, sorry.
Thanks for the correction. We always called him Smokey the Bear. Never too late to learn.
Same here.
I use your Amazon link when I order from my laptop. Is there a way to connect that link to the app on my phone?
Cookie, thank you for using our link! We appreciate it! No, there is no way to connect the link to your account on your phone. You must go through any Amazon link on our website. Thank you for asking!
RE: leveling. Most absorption refrigerators are spec’ed for ‘within 3 degrees of level’. I never perfectly level my RVs. I place them approximately a half-degree lower on the utility side and toward the rear. Roof AC run-off goes that way; my waste tanks drain better. On our larger RVs I’ve calibrated the auto-levelers and I installed an electronic level tool in the smaller RV that uses stabilizers.
Keeping the above in mind, I always level my RVs, even in storage. There is less torsion stress on the frame and everything mounted to the frame. Door frames (interior and exterior) don’t get warped, wood trim nor cabinets will crack.
RE: 3M broom holders. Inside the RV I use two for our wall stored broom & dust pan. They would act like a pendulum during travel and come off the wall. Two stopped that motion and the problem.
I just used the tip and installed two offset below our power line and another below the hose. Frankly, they look ugly. But not as ugly as having a gooped up side wall connection because it is coming loose. Further, the lines are kept closer in line with the side wall and less likely to be a trip hazard.
I personally would never use a bike tent to store my bike and think it wouldn’t be stolen. A thief with a knife would be there and gone with the bike in a flash. I loved a lot of the other uses for the bike tents.
You need a bike like mine! Poor dude is all beat up after thousands of miles. I don’t think anyone would steal it.
It starts-stops-shifts gears and the tires have air. we just keep on exploring. My little brother gave it to me years ago when he got a fancy-pants one.
The ARP FridgeDefend measures temperatures on both the boiler and the absorber coils.
If the boiler is high and the absorber is low, then circulation is blocked.
I have seen 0.2 degrees off level cause blockage.
This helps to explain why so many people get to replace their ammonia refrigerators multiple times.
When this happens, consider replacing the cooling unit with an Amish replacement. Sizable project but still cheaper than replacing the whole fridge.
There must have been something else going on, on your fridge going out at .2 degrees most refrigerator specs call for being within 6 degrees front to back and 3 degrees side to side ( this is usually length of your rv) 1 degree is .21 inches rise per foot) as long as your rv is comfortably level enough to live in you are probably within those specs. I am on my 6th rv with absorption type refrigerator and have never had issues I do keep on top of my maintenance or maybe I’m just lucky
Reference Mystery Product and going to the gym, I renamed the toilet the John to Jim, and that way I go to the Jim/gym everyday.
Someone else has some humor here!
Thanks!
No grumpies allowed, eh?
Amazon link for the Tums & Ibuprofen necklace, please! 🤣🤣🤣
Make your own.
That was a joke. Don. Hence three laugh faces! 🙂
I’ll bet Don’s reply was also a joke.🤔 Have a good night, Mikal. 😀 –Diane
Smokey has to go all the way from Colorado to Washington DC just to get his mail? No wonder it took him so long to answer my letter.
Probably the same as Sandy Claws and the Ether Bunnie. eh?
Thank you, Emily and Diane! The only reason that we would not extend our leveling jacks is if we were not going to extend any of the slides. Have a great day and safe travels!
Golden pups, even senior dudes are the best! I’m a meow person, but my great neighbors would wander over and chew the bacon.
Harley and B.K. ( Barn Kat) would nose each other and then lie down for a nap. Even nose to nose, what great pals.
I wish humans could get along as well today as our furry best friends are able to do.
No pit bulls thank-you very much….
Night….