Issue 2716
Today’s thought
“The mind once enlightened cannot again become dark.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Park Service Founders Day!
On this day in history: 1916 – The United States National Park Service is created.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: The giant Hershey RV Show, America’s largest RV show, is coming in two weeks (Sept. 10-14) to Hershey, Pennsylvania. Get your tickets. It’s awesome!
Tip of the day
Duct tape: The incredible universal fixer and 16 ways to use it
By Gail Marsh
My uncle always said, “You can fix just about anything with duct tape.” I can’t believe it took nine years for him to lose his medical license.
There are lots of funny jokes about duct tape; however, duct tape is really pretty amazing! Did you know that duct tape was invented by a woman? Vesta Stoudt, mom of two World War II soldiers, worked packing boxes of ammunition for the war effort. When inspecting the ammo packages, Vesta noticed a flaw. Paper tape was used to seal the boxes. Then the boxes were dipped into wax to make the complete package watertight. Opening these boxes could be problematic. It just took too long, especially when soldiers were under fire. Vesta thought a waterproof tape could seal the boxes better and still allow the boxes to be opened quickly.
Continue reading for 16 amazing uses for duct tape on and around your RV.
More tips from this weekend you may have missed:
- How to save money on gas: Budget-saving tips for RVers
- How to remove and replace rotted flooring in your RV
- Powering your RV: Essential 120-volt electricity tips and gadgets for every RVer
Ask Dave
My travel trailer has “hot skin.” Can I just replace the shoreline cord?
Dear Dave,
I’m experiencing “hot skin” on my trailer, with about 30 volts of electrical current energizing the exterior of it. I’m replacing my 10-year-old power cord (50 amp) first, but what other causes would you recommend I search for? —Dave, 2014 Airstream Flying Cloud 25FBT Please read Dave’s very important answer.
SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOUR RV?
Good news! We have more than 3,500 articles in our “RV Maintenance and Repair” category, so we’re confident we can help you solve the problem. In addition, did you know you can search our website using the search bar at the top of every page for keywords or topics that interest you or that you need help with? Yep, we’ve got you covered!
In the RV shop with Dustin
Avoid accidents: Is your RV jack stand right for your rig?
Many of us enjoy tackling our own maintenance and repairs—whether it’s greasing bearings, checking suspension components, or diagnosing brake issues. But before diving under your RV, one question should come first: Are you using the right jack stands? Continue reading.
Article and video
RV inspector shares how to catch RV water damage early
By Cheri Sicard
Our favorite RV inspector, Duane from the RV Inspection And Care YouTube channel, shares some important tips and advice in today’s video. Without a doubt, leaks and water damage can wreak expensive havoc on RVs, so the sooner you catch a leak, the better. Click here to watch the video or read the breakdown.
“Fix It In Foil! Tasty Recipes! Easy Clean-Ups!”
Easy prep, great taste, good nutrition, quick clean-up! “Fix It In Foil” includes 51 fantastic recipes to make in foil — plus instructions for cooking in an oven, on an outdoor grill, or on a campfire. Fix it in foil and forget about scrubbing pots and pans. And, with plenty of substitution suggestions, enjoy a whole new list of recipe possibilities! Great for RVing! RVtravel.com BEST-SELLER! Learn more or order.
The latest news for RVers
- RV industry blamed for role in destroying rainforests
- RV manufacturer will add flat $9,500 to RV prices to cover tariffs
- Lance Camper returns to independent ownership with revival plans
- Lake Tahoe camper tests positive for plague
- Jayco’s new Embark EV motorhome is not fully electric despite the hype
To read more recent news, click here.
A DEET-free mosquito and tick repellent … that works!
If you’re one of those people that mosquitoes love (we all know at least one person like this), this product is for you. A very impressive number of five-star reviews. This awesome DEET-free insect repellent works for mosquitoes, ticks, black flies and fleas. Keep this one handy, folks. As RVers, there’s a good chance you’ll probably need this. It’s safe for kids and infants too! Learn more or order here.
Featured article
The oldest American roadside attraction is…
By Gail Marsh
I absolutely love roadside attractions! Yes, they can be quirky and silly, but they faithfully do their job. In wind, rain, snow, or incessant heat, the roadside attractions stand tall and proud, ever ready to catch the attention of passersby, encouraging them to stop and take a closer look. But what’s the oldest American roadside attraction and how did it come to be? I wondered… Find out here.
RANDOM RV THOUGHT: Traveling or even living full-time in an RV may make you realize that you can live comfortably in a much smaller space than in a traditional home. The thought may strike you that “I really don’t need all the stuff back home because what is most important to me is right here.” Face it, in an RV, you eat just as well, you sleep just as well, you dress just as well (if you choose) and you are just as warm or cool as you choose to be. And with an RV, when you get tired of the view out your window, you can easily move for a different view.
Reader poll
How long has it been since you rode a bicycle?
Quick tip
Tank Blaster to the rescue—It really works!
By Nanci Dixon
Our gray water tank sensors had started reading 67% or 100% almost constantly, even after dumping. Not wanting to risk a backflow of gray water into our shower, we had started pulling the handle to dump the gray water way too often. Thetford’s Tank Blaster to the rescue! Dave Solberg has mentioned Tank Blaster several times in his articles here on RVtravel.com, so I bought a pack last year but never put it to the test until this summer.
Website of the day
The 10 best U.S. national parks to see wildlife
Ready to see birds and snakes and alligators? Bats and porpoises and sea turtles? Then this list from National Geographic is for you!
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Are there measures you can take to determine if someone is left-handed? Well, we don’t know, but this is cool!
Trivia
Groceries represent half of Walmart’s sales while Target grocery sales are closer to 20 percent.
Readers’ pets of the day
“Let’s go camping, Mom! This is DWI and Schatzie (Standard Wirehaired Dachshunds, ages 6 and 4). We have a bunkhouse model RV, and the bottom bunk is the perfect place for dog crates to keep the dogs safe and secure while we travel. They love their ‘rooms’.” —Linda Lauer
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
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.
Search Google for the latest RV news from RVtravel.com.
If you shop at Amazon.com we’d appreciate you using this link. We get an itty bitty commission if you buy something, but they add up and help us pay our bills (most importantly our hard-working writers!).
RVtravel.com All-Star Team
Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.
DWI and Schatzie really want to get into their beds. What a great location for dog crates.
I don’t know many people who don’t use a tape measure in both directions. Most people don’t have any serious problem reading one upside down as necessary. Just count the little cross marks right to left instead of left to right.
As my now departed mother-in-law would say, “It’s 3 inches and 2 ticky marks”.
Don’t confuse a dyslexic any more than necessary. How many times I have cut a 9″ board off at 6″. lol As I’ve said many times; “I keep cutting off just a little bit more and it is still too short.”
Thank you, Emily and Diane! Have a great week and safe travels!