From RVtravel.com: The common sense resource for RVers since 2001 • Issue 2753
Today’s thought
“Curiosity is one of the most permanent and certain characteristics of a vigorous intellect.” —Samuel Johnson
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Fossil Day! Enjoy seeing or finding fossils? These camping locations are for you!
On this day in history: 1878 – The Edison Electric Light Company begins operation.
Tip of the day
How to fix sticky RV windows
By Gail Marsh
If you’ve been RVing for a while, you might have heard a sticky RV window’s shiver-inducing screech or squeal. I’m talking about windows that refuse to slide, latch smoothly, or open easily.
Sliding RV windows are convenient but, after a while, they can begin to squeak or become difficult to open and close. Dust, dirt, and travel road grime can be the culprits.
Here are some ways to get your RV windows working smoothly again—whether they slide, use a latch, or are emergency push-out windows.
In the RV shop with Dustin
RV outlet issues, wiring and replacements
I recently was asked the question, “Why is my RV outlet not working after using a space heater?” It could be that the outlet has failed, the heater has become defective, or the circuit breaker cannot be reset. In this article, I’ll show you examples of the outlets so you can see and understand the design a bit more. Continue reading.
Book is a must-have for state park campers!
This book, “50 States: 500 State Parks,” is a must-have for all state park campers and explorers. The book is a beautiful visual journey through America’s best state parks. Whether you’re looking for stunning vistas, rare wildlife, a dose of history, or an enjoyable hike, the state parks offer an array of experiences. Learn more or order.
Article and video
Prepare for common RV problems: The RV roadside readiness list
By Cheri Sicard
RV trips are great… until something breaks. The truth is simple: It is not if a problem will happen, but when. In the video at the end of this post, Jared Gillis of All About RVs, walks through what one seasoned RVer keeps on hand to be ready for flats, suspension hiccups, dead batteries, and getting stuck. He also highlights a few smart upgrades that save time, money, and stress. Click here to read and watch.
Featured article
How to identify an improper trailer brake setting
By Roger Marble
This is just a quick post regarding the “evidence” you might need to confirm improper brake force setting on a trailer. This [image in post] is definitely “brake flat-spotting” from trailer tire lock-up. Higher force on relatively light loaded tires can cause this. Once there is a spot, the next time you hit the brakes the tire is more likely to stop at the same spot again. Here are examples of what to look for.
Ask Dave
How to winterize an RV slide room
FREE IS GOOD! Breathe Right® nasal strips sample (for relief from nasal congestion)
Reader poll
Have you stayed or would you stay at a nudist RV resort?
Respond here. 🙈
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
Quick tip
Important trailer tow ball height tip
If your tow vehicle is too low or too high, the trailer weight isn’t distributed evenly on the axles, which can lead to damage. Adjust the height of your tow ball so that the trailer is level when hitched to the tow vehicle and on level ground. Your trailer axles will love it, and so will you—much easier walking about in a level rig.
On this day last year…
- RV walk-through: ADLAR truck campers by Soaring Eagle: Low cost and simple
- Ask Dave: Replaced RV’s on-demand water heater; why no hot water in sink?
- Article and video: Extreme off-road recovery—5th wheel slides off a mountain trail
- Featured article: Fight RV crime! Install a GPS tracker in your RV—It’s easy!
Website of the day
19 Best Pumpkin Patches in the U.S. to Fill Your Fall With Magic
Pumpkin patches are NOT just for kids! Your RV will look so much cozier with a few pumpkins of its own. Plus, apple cider donuts and sweet roasted corn? Say no more!
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Know someone who likes to fish? Hubby, maybe? Grandkids, maybe? Yourself? Good. Everyone who likes to fish will love this. All ages, all genders, all everyone! Well, except the fish… They won’t like this.
Trivia
Nostalgic travel is on the rise. According to research from Hilton Hotels, “recreating memories” ranks as the third most popular reason for leisure travel in the United States in 2025. Furthermore, 58% of global travelers expressed their desire to visit destinations tied to their childhood. Retro travel can be as simple as attending a drive-in movie or spending a night at your favorite childhood campground.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Rusty (Beagle mix, 11 months), my grandpuppy, likes to go camping. He’s really enjoying himself.” —Terri Lewis
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
Rodney Dangerfield and his wife:
• “My wife and I were happy for twenty years. Then we met.”
• “My wife must be the worst cook. In my house, we pray after we eat.”
• “I haven’t spoken to my wife in years. I didn’t want to interrupt her.”
Fix roof leaks and extend your RV roof another 18-20 years with the ONLY liquid butyl rubber in the world
RV Roof Magic’s unique solvent-based drying process allows for a chemical bond not found in other RV sealants. That is why it never needs a primer and only one coat. We offer a 10-year warranty. Apply RV Roof Magic to all roofs except silicone and PVC. Over 30 years of history of success. Visit our site for our monthly special!
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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Another Rodney Dangerfield quip I liked… “My wife is such a bad cook, the flies chipped in to repair the screen door”
Addendum to trailer ball height: Ball mounts for receiver hitches come with a selection of rise or drop. Few if any are infinitely adjustable to achieve perfect level. Choose the ball mount that comes closest without putting the trailer in a nose up position. Nose up will increase trailer sway. If you can’t hit perfect level, it is better to be in a nose down position.
I’m writing to ask what are they are thinking. Designers of R VS are so stupid! Who wants to sit sideways and try to watch TV? Why do they put couches facing each other, and the TV above the driver’s seat? Don’t they believe that people need closet space? I know not everyone is looking for an RV to live in full-time time but some of these RVs have no closets.
Then there are the weight restrictions. Some of the RVs can only carry 1200 pounds, and that includes passengers, Propane, and water. I figure roughly that gives me 200 pounds to put dishes and pans, and clothes. Then there’s all the camping supplies. It’s ridiculous
One of the requirements when we bought our 2004 Allegro Bus, was that the TV and fireplace were straight across from the 2 loveseat recliners. No tv’s above the windshield.
Same with my 2013 Phaeton 42LH. Our previous Safari was above the windshield….hated that and vowed to never have another rv with that design.
My 19″ tube Tv was up in the right front corner above the WS – I removed it, custom built the space to match the center to left side and mounted a flat smart tv on a drop down hinge under the overhead and now at WS level – much more comfortable. Replaced 80lbs of Tv and metal supports with 28 lbs of hinge and new Tv!
Now you know what to look for in your next rv ( if there is one)
I moved the tv and put it on a swivel to where we could see it better. But you are absolutely correct I wonder if the designer ever camped?
Re Trivia: I must qualify as a Champion Nostalgic Traveler. During my very happy youth, my family moved extensively, e.g. I attended 7 schools before the 9th grade. I’ve revisited most of those locations, the best being celebrating my 90th birthday, with much of my family, at a very remote California Mojave Desert location.
Rusty is a great looking beagle
thanks for sharing