Issue 2721
Today’s thought
“No true and permanent fame can be founded except in labors which promote the happiness of mankind.” —Charles Sumner
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is Labor Day. It’s also Emma Nutt Day (see below).
On this day in history in 1878, Emma M. Nutt became the world’s first female telephone operator. Before her, young men ran the switchboards—often joking, impatient, and even rude. Inventor Alexander Graham Bell replaced them with women, believing they offered better service. Emma’s soothing voice and flawless memory transformed the job, paving the way for women in telecommunications. Trivia: Some museums display old switchboards which they nickname “Emma”.
Tip of the day
Three ways to stop RV holding tank odors and make the sensors work again
By Cheri Sicard
Get ready for an RV holding tank odor master class. Here, TR Bowlen tackles the topic of holding tank odor, one of the most common RVer complaints, along with how to keep your holding tank level sensors working properly.
TR says there are three easy things you need to do in order to maintain your RV’s holding tanks and eliminate holding tank smells. Of course, his video gives more details, too, but I break it down in these steps for you, too.
DO YOU EAT TOO MUCH OF CERTAIN FOODS THAT YOU SHOULDN’T? That’s what we asked our readers yesterday. See how they responded.
More tips from this weekend you may have missed:
- The pros and cons of being a campground host
- RV slideouts rated: Which are best? Worst? Find out
- Why storing your RV outside can be a bad idea
- How to remove hard water film on RV shower glass
It’s Labor Day today, but be patriotic year-round!
If you’re going to be patriotic, why not do so with an American flag made out of motorhomes? How cool is this shirt? It comes in men’s, women’s and children’s sizes, so you can match with the whole family. And it’s 100% cotton so you know it will be soft! This is so neat! Get one for yourself here.
Ask Dave
RV decal dilemma: How to replace faded or cracked graphics
Dear Dave,
Our decals have had it. I can’t seem to find actual replacements. Are you aware of a source for them? We enjoy your articles! Thanks! —Ken, Winnebago, Micro Minnie FB1705 Read Dave’s answer.
Article and video
13 essential RV tips for seniors
By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, Mike and Jennifer from RV Lifestyle, one of the winners of our 2024 RV Video awards, share their most important RV tips for seniors. Spoiler alert: many of these tips apply to everyone, not just seniors. Our hosts, seniors themselves, firmly believe that with proper preparation and expectations, seniors can live their best lives ever in an RV! Click here to watch the video or read the breakdown.
The latest news for RVers
- General RV employee accused of embezzling more than $2 million
- Ford issues massive recall of 2025-2026 trucks for instrument panel failure
- Cracker Barrel reverses logo update after backlash
- Calling all RVers: You’re invited to compete for Guinness world fame
- South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison reopens for full scenic drive
To read more recent news, click here.
Featured article
Customized 1946 Spartan Manor trailer is spectacular
By Paul Lacitinola
Step into a piece of history with our custom-renovated 1946 Spartan Manor trailer, meticulously rebuilt from the frame up to suit a variety of exciting uses. Whether you dream of an event trailer, mobile business hub, poolside bar, guest accommodation, or classic travel trailer, this Spartan Manor is ready to exceed your expectations.
RANDOM RV THOUGHT: If you are in no hurry to get somewhere, stay put on days when your driving would involve headwinds. You’ll get far better fuel mileage when the wind dies down, and even better mileage if you wait for a tailwind.
Reader poll
Are you doing anything special today for Labor Day?
In the RV shop with Dustin
The single most valuable tool to an RV technician
By Dustin Simpson
Today, I’m showing you a tool in every RV technician’s toolbox. It’s used for a huge variety of RV repairs, including everything from decal removal, RV roof sealant removal, RV body silicone removal, popping an RV molding, to installing and removing RV insert moldings and much more.. So what is it? Find out here.
Labor Day recipes
- Yummy recipes perfect for Labor Day, for just you or for a gathering
- Hot dog recipes perfect for year-round camping
- Celebrate National Burger Day with these five burger and burger-inspired recipes
- The best BBQ sauce recipes to end summer grilling with a bang
- 3 juicy grilled meat recipes for a perfect BBQ weekend
Quick tip
No oven in your rig? Here’s an alternative
“Since our RV does not have an oven, we find a medium-sized toaster oven does a great job baking and cooking foods that otherwise you would have to use a stove or microwave for. I don’t microwave food unless I’m in a hurry.” Thanks for the hot tip, Jillie!
Website of the day
History.com: Labor Day 2025
How much do you really know about Labor Day? This page on History.com tells you facts, the meaning behind the day, and its founding. It’s fascinating!
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
First of all, the name for this is brilliant, and second of all, we know for a fact this works. Maybe someday we’ll tell you the story…
Trivia
Beer is the most popular alcoholic beverage worldwide. In fact, after water and tea, beer is the most commonly consumed drink in the world. Beer is also most likely the oldest alcoholic drink in history.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Ginju (Pomeranian, age 18). The best camping companion I ever had. Never complained about the weather or the campsite. Passed on Aug 10, 2023, but will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, my friend.” —James Wiles
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!
Leave here with a laugh
We need a 12-step group for compulsive talkers. They could call it On Anon Anon. —Paula Poundstone
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.
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RVtravel.com All-Star Team
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This one don’t make sense: “9 Post your campsite info inside your RV: In case of emergencies, it’s a good idea to write down your campsite’s number and the address and phone number of the campground and post it on your RV’s fridge.” Do you really mean an emergency contact and a home address? Might be a good idea to have an article of what to do if the driver of the RV should have a medical emergency and spouse can’t move RV. What should spouse do.
You need both. We have our medical info on the frig for 1st responders – drugs, allergies, primary doc, insurance card location, etc. But you also need your location when you call for help. Many people are flustered & confused, and especially if you move frequently, need accurate information for the 1st responders to find you.
I always put our current location on a white board by the door inside the camper. In an emergency, it can be very challenging to remember just where we are. Which campground? Which spot?
I also mounted a small white bd at the entry with the park name, site number and the GPS coordinates. My late wife knew who to call to assist with the MH as she did not and would not attempt to drive it. Family RV Assn, formerly FMCA, membership also provides a driver for emergencies as well as medical evacuation insurance.
Beer will not develop in polluted water, therefore safe to drink.
Huh?
And…. the first gal telephone operator was a real Nutt.
Ginny was precious. Glad she had you to share her 16 years. ❤️
Wonderful pic of Ginju. Sounds like a wonderful dog and traveling companion. You are fortunate to have had those many years together.
thank you for sharing
Very sorry for your loss, James! Thank you, Emily and Diane! Have a great week and safe travels!
It is called the cuisinart toaster oven. I found I used it so much this past summer I thought I would need a new one. I use those mr clean sponges to clean the interior and exterior and for the drip pans I use a no soap metal brillo and dawn dish soap. May not be perfect but it gets the job done.