From RVtravel.com: The common sense resource for RVers since 2001 • Issue 2758
Today’s thought
“Quite often, while I’m getting up in the morning, I think my warranty is running out on these body parts because it’s not working quite the way it used to.” —John Glenn
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Make A Dog’s Day!
On this day in history: 1910 – Hawley Harvey Crippen (the first felon to be arrested with the help of radio) is convicted of poisoning his wife.
Tip of the day
Half-ton trucks: What to know before you tow
By Tony Barthel
How much can you tow with a half-ton pickup? It might surprise you that there is no single answer to this. It may also surprise you that your very light travel trailer may be much more than your V8 pickup is supposed to handle.
What a half-ton pickup can tow varies widely depending on how it’s configured. Just because your truck has the big V8 and a tow receiver and, potentially, even a “tow package” doesn’t mean you can tow a trailer even if that trailer has the word “light” or “half-ton towable” as part of its description. Continue reading this very important article.
In the RV shop with Dustin
Shocking RV wall inspection; molding maintenance and replacement tips
Join me in our RV shop as we inspect the standard way that RV manufacturers install roofline moldings. During my inspection of an RV side wall, I will be explaining more about rain gutter joints, how moldings are butted together, how they are secured against the walls of most RVs, and how often the insert moldings need to be replaced. Continue reading.
New high-quality water flow meter; perfect for flushing holding tanks
Nanci Dixon writes, “I’ll admit it, I am rather compulsive about dumping and flushing my holding tanks and I have gone through a number of water flow meters. A water flow meter measures how many gallons of water are going from a faucet to a water hose. Inevitably, in time they leak, so I was back on Amazon looking for a different brand. This was the meter that was recommended to me and wow, does it work! Read my review here.
Article and video
Easy spooky RV Halloween decorations you can make
By Cheri Sicard
Campgrounds light up during spooky season, and RV sites are no exception. In the video at the end of this post, brought to you by Sun Outdoors, you can discover three budget-friendly projects that RVers Jason and Sheena use on their Airstream. The goal is fun décor that travels well and looks great at night. The couple also proves that holiday decorating on the road does not have to be expensive. With a few supplies, anyone can add flair to a campsite and join the fun many RVers enjoy each October.
Featured article
Reviving a 1949 Vagabond trailer: From forgotten in warehouse to ready-to-roll beauty
By Paul Lacitinola
In November 2016, upon nearing retirement, John discussed his plans for newfound freedom with a customer. During this conversation, he learned about a hidden gem—a 23-foot-long 1949 Vagabond Model 232 trailer. It had served as a construction unit during a house remodel in Pasadena, CA, and had been stored away in a warehouse for the previous 25+ years. Continue reading.
Ask Dave
My RV’s rubber roof has “gooey” spots. Can I fix it with RV Roof Magic?
Reader poll
Do you have a favorite U.S. state?
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
How many ways can you use this?? We say, “Unlimited ways!” In fact, we can envision how this product could save you from a lot of grief, say a trip to the hospital or a major blow to your head. And it’s so darn inexpensive!
Quick tip
Hooking up your water? Use your elbow!
Something as small as a $7 or $8 part may not seem like a big deal, but you’d be surprised by how these little things can make a big difference. This part can pretty much be found at any place selling RV parts, but I’ve been surprised by how many people don’t use it. This part is simply a 90-degree brass fitting from your water hose to your RV exterior water hookup.
Why is this part important? It will make your life so much easier as these exterior RV water hookups stick straight out from the side of your RV, putting a lot of pressure on your water hose and RV threaded fitting. So the result is usually a water hookup that leaks. At first it will not leak, but over time, it will get worse and worse. This simple 90-degree brass fitting takes a great deal of pressure off the RV hookup and water hose fittings. From The Simple Life Guide To RV Living: The Road to Freedom and the Mobile Lifestyle Revolution.
FREE IS GOOD: This guide to Colorado State Parks is available free online. Keep it handy for your next visit.
On this day last year…
- Tip: All about RV fire extinguishers
- RV walk-through: RV inspector’s picks: 3 best RV brands and models for travel trailers
- Ask Dave: Where can I find someone to add an underbelly cover to my trailer?
- Article & video: 8 toothbrush tricks and uses for toothbrushes—#7 is brilliant!
- Featured article: Roadside stop near Death Valley is an unexpected delight
Website of the day
How to Make Cocktails While Camping
If you’re not already a camping mixologist, check out this great guide on how to make cocktails while you camp. At the bottom are some delicious-sounding cocktail recipes!
Trivia
Tweety Bird was originally pink. Animators added yellow feathers in response to criticism that the bird was naked.
Readers’ pet of the day
“In the desert you find shade wherever you can… even under my chair. Came to us as a rescue at one year of age. Ziggy (Shih Tzu, age 16) runs the show and wants it his way and only his way. His food has to be cooked to his specifications and the right temperature. He has multiple beds to choose from depending on his needs at the moment… after all, he is the emperor’s dog. Ha!” —Larry French
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!
New and improved Dump Buddy is a must-have gadget for RV dumping
Don’t miss Tony Barthel’s updated review of the new and improved Dump Buddy. What’s a Dump Buddy? It’s essentially a plastic collar that goes around a sewer pipe in the ground and then another one that goes around your sewer hose elbow. You simply use the knob to tighten the collar around the sewer pipe and then flip up the second collar and tighten that around the sewer hose. Read Tony’s review here or order on Amazon.
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Using an elbow on the water supply helps. But if possible, leave a coil or two on the hose just under the elbow instead of stretching it out.
This will help support the hose.
16 and still camping! Long live Ziggy! Thanks for sharing Larry.
Ziggy must have Jack Russell Terrier in him. All of ours think the same.
Ziggy keep on being particular, it shows you have great taste! keep on camping!
I bought a 90 elbow with a shutoff valve on it, this way it’s easy to turn off the water when we’re not there using it.I also use a plug to close the opening when traveling and also use the plug to support the weight of the hose under the elbow.