From RVtravel.com: The common sense resource for RVers • Issue 2729
Today’s thought
“If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate.” —Sandy Dahl, wife of Flight 93 pilot Jason Dahl
Today is Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance.
A heartwarming story that arose from 9/11
The terrorist activities from 24 years ago etched in most of us one of the most horrible memories of our lives. And yet, along with the almost unimaginable horror came a heartwarming story that will forever remind us of the inherent goodness of mankind. Read it (with Kleenex in hand).
Today’s limited time offers on RV parts and accessories at Amazon.com. Hurry or miss out.
Tip of the day
Ways to put your RV bumper to good use
While walking around her campground, Gail Marsh was amazed to see all the clever ways fellow RVers were utilizing their RV bumpers. From bike racks to storage solutions, the uses demonstrated creative ways to utilize space, and the RVers’ fertile imaginations. Before you start strapping items to your bumper, it’s crucial to know how much weight it can safely support. Overloading your bumper can lead to dangerous tail sway, especially in travel trailers and pop-up campers. Here are some creative ways to make the most of your RV bumper.
Article and video
Easy DIY RV curtain ideas—No sewing or drilling required
By Cheri Sicard
If your RV windows need a lift, discover ingenious RV curtain ideas in the video at the bottom of this article from Making My Abode on the Road. The video shows a variety of RV window coverings that require no sewing. You also won’t have to make any holes or drill into your RV’s walls to hang them, either. Click here to read and watch.
More recent popular videos you may have missed:
- The secret to making an RV bed—even a difficult, boxed-in, east-west one!
- The best autumn 2025 Costco RV gear deals
- Overview of Tiffin motorhome models: Which is best?
- Starting RV life as a senior—What you need to know
Featured article
Easily cut your RVing expenses in half
Chuck Woodbury, high atop his cyber soapbox, suggests a very simple way to cut the cost of RVing by half, even more. Some readers will not be interested, for reasons he explains. For others, what he suggests will make perfect sense. Why don’t more RVers do this? Here’s what our founder and publisher Chuck thinks.
Ask Dave
What is the ’60/40 rule’ for towing a trailer? Should I use it? How?
Dear Dave,
I have come across several posts, articles, and graphics that recommend using the 60/40 rule for weight distribution of a towed trailer. Should I use this, and how do I determine the weights? —Paul Read Dave’s answer.
Reader poll
Do you set an alarm to wake up in the morning?
Doctor’s order: Coffee!
This coffee mug is hilarious! It’s perfect for yourself or the coffee-lover in your life who just cannot live without coffee. This high-quality mug is made from ceramic and painted to look like a prescription pill bottle, just what the doctor ordered! You can’t order this from a barista, but you can order one here.
Quick tip
Easy “leak down” test
Not sure if you may have a leak in your towable RV LP system? Here’s a simple, inexpensive way to ensure you don’t. With your LP cylinder valves open (and gas in at least one of them), shut off all appliances and pilot lights. Now shut off the valves of your LP cylinders. If you come back in an hour and the “flag” on the switchover valve between the two tank systems indicates you’re out of LP, you have a leak somewhere. Leave the gas valves shut and find that leak and fix it without delay.
On this day last year…
- RV preview: Forthcoming Bean Squared trailer – Overlanding overachiever
- Ask Dave: Why does RV 12-volt refrigerator noisily cycle hourly?
- Featured article: Butt-to-nose RV sites. How close is close enough?
Website of the day
15 national parks for fall color
This list from The Wilderness Society will help you plan your upcoming leaf-peeping trips. We’re getting excited. Are you?
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Hey, pass the dog a beer, won’t ya? No, this isn’t a joke! The dog wants a beer!
And the survey says…
We’ve polled RVtravel.com readers close to 5,000 times in recent years. Here are a few things we’ve learned about them:
• 69 percent say they would gladly pay $20 a night to stay in a Walmart parking lot with electric hookups.
• 76 percent have continuously worked for an employer for 20 years or more.
• The majority of voters, 56 percent, say the person they feel closest to is not a blood relative.
Recent poll: For your next RV, will you most likely ‘downsize’ or ‘upsize’?
Trivia
Marcus Lemonis, the chairman and CEO of Camping World and Good Sam Enterprises, is also the Executive Chairman of the board of directors of Beyond, Inc., which owns Overstock, Bed Bath & Beyond, Buy Buy Baby, and other related brands and intellectual property.
Readers’ pets of the day
“We got Calli (Sheltie) as a pup in CA, and she traveled more than 100,000 (yes, 100k) miles in various RVs through the years. She was joined mid-journey by Daisy (Chihuahua), who continued to travel even after Calli passed. Daisy just got back to GA on 7/31 after a six-week, 5k miles trek to Idaho and back.” —Chuck Howe
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
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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RVtravel.com All-Star Team
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Trivia:
Wonder how much influence he had in closing all the brick and mortar stores he has control of?
I agree with Chuck but there’s value in having an rv beyond all the costs. Your freedom, security, independence, and access to clean facilities are priceless features.
I can’t agree with the “logic” of cutting RV expenses. I also see all the comments are 1 year old. It reminds me of :
Woman: Do you drink beer?
Man: Yes.
Woman: How many beers a day?
Man: Usually about three.
Woman: How much do you pay per beer?
Man: $5.00 which includes a tip.
Woman: And how long have you been drinking?
Man: About 20 years, I suppose.
Woman: So a beer costs $5 and you have three beers a day which puts your spending each month at $450. In one year, it would be approximately $5400 – correct?
Man: Correct.
Woman: If in one year you spend $5400, not accounting for inflation, the past 20 years puts your spending at $108,000 correct?
Man: Correct.
…cont’d
Woman: Do you know that if you didn’t drink so much beer, that money could have been put in a step-up interest savings account and after accounting for compound interest for the past 20 years, you could have now bought an airplane?
Man: Do you drink beer?
Woman: No.
Man: Where’s your airplane?
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NEVER FORGET 9-1-1, 2001! Thanks for remembering Rv Travel and thanks for the story link! We need to keep this fresh in mind and especially to educate those who weren’t here yet! We need to remember the kindness of our neighbors – next door or next country! I noted on the news a couple days ago, mention of a special class to teach teachers who were to young to know what 9-1-1 was all about! It was 24 years ago! My great grand kids, 12,10,7& 4, didn’t know much about this event – Now they do!
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AMEN!
Amen !🙏
Thank you, Emily and Diane! Very sorry for the loss of Calli, Chuck! Have a great day and safe travels!
Chuck – Sorry you lost Calli. I’m sure you and Daisy miss her especially when traveling. Dogs make such great traveling companions!