From RVtravel.com: The common sense resource for RVers since 2001 • Issue 2770
Today’s thought
“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Bittersweet Chocolate With Almonds Day!
On this day in history: 1665 – The London Gazette, the oldest surviving journal, is first published.
Tip of the day
How to unclog a motorhome’s gutter
By Gail Marsh
If your motorhome routes rain through small roof holes and into hidden flexible pipes instead of open gutters, welcome to a common motorhome headache: clogged internal gutters.
On many motorhomes, integrated roof gutter drains are incorporated into the RV’s roof. When water hits the roof, it flows into the factory-cut roof drains. Then the water runs through a hidden length of tubing built into the coach’s body and exits at the bottom of the rig. The arrangement is nice because you won’t fight the dreaded black streaks that can come from other gutter configurations. However, if debris and dirt get into the internal pipe gutter, a clog may form and be difficult to dislodge. Here’s what you need to know.
RV review
Sneak Peek: 2026 Ember RVs—New models and smart upgrades
By Cheri Sicard
Here, Josh the RV Nerd from Bish’s RV shares a quick, useful rundown of Ember RV’s 2026 updates. Josh’s highlight reel covers new Ember RV models, fresh interiors, big solar gains, and smarter touring features. It’s a fast pass through the lineup so you can spot what’s worth a deeper look and decide which rigs to watch out for next. I break everything down for you in the article, too.
You love Uno, but have you played the Wilderness edition yet?
Take your favorite card game to a new level! It’s just like Uno (so you won’t have to learn any new rules) but this version should stay in the camper or car at all times for every outdoor adventure. And if someone you know needs a gift, this is it! Learn more or order here. Have fun playing!
In the RV shop with Dustin
Easy under-the-sink vent replacement eliminates RV bathroom odors
Let’s face it. Nobody wants their RV bathroom to be known as the source of mysterious RV odors. Have you ever wondered what this black thing was under the sink?
Article and video
The RV black tank practices that do and don’t work
By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, we join Jared Gillis of All About RVs for a discussion of RV black tank best practices. To make the video, Jared put a camera into his RV’s black tank to determine if some of the black tank myths out there are real or fake. Here are the surprising results.
Featured article
Our gas was stolen! Tips for protecting against fuel theft
By Gail Marsh
This was a first for us: The first time someone stole fuel from our truck. It must have happened during the nighttime hours. We didn’t hear a thing. When we fired up the truck a few days later, we noticed that our fuel level was significantly lower than before. We’d been robbed! Here are ways to prevent fuel theft we’re considering…
Ask Dave
What is the ‘cheapest’ lithium setup to replace 6-volt batteries in RV?
FREE IS GOOD! Free Georgia State Travel Guide, plus state parks and historic sites, plus several highway and transportation maps. Online or by mail. Peachy!
Protect your RV decals with RejeX!
Tired of worrying about waxing over vinyl decals? RejeX is a liquid coating that seals, protects, and extends the life of your RV’s decals—without masking or fuss. Trusted by experts and backed by advanced aerospace technology, it’s easy to apply and keeps your graphics looking vibrant. Get your RV shining and protected today!
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Reader poll
Do you own a boat?
Quick tip
Quick tips for easy winter camping in an RV
By Nanci Dixon
Here are some quick, easy tips for camping in an RV during the winter. Follow these for a successful winter camping trip.
On this day last year…
- Tip: RV feeling a little stuffy? Smelling a little funky? Time for a refresh
- RV walk-through: Tour the 2024 Entegra Condor 22T, a Class B+ motorhome with nice features
- Ask Dave: Why doesn’t my RV furnace work at 10,000 feet? What can I do?
- Featured article: Jackery Explorer 1500 portable power station/solar generator review
Website of the day
Kid-friendly campfire stories
KOA gives us this great list of 17 campfire stories perfect for the kiddos. You’ll have the kids glued to their camping chairs with their jaws dropped open with these!
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Yes, we already own these and, yes, we gift them to every other ____-lover we know. Scroll down and see even more like it! If you like Italian food (and who doesn’t?), click here.
Trivia
Cats purr at the same frequency as an idling diesel engine, approximately 26 cycles per second.
Readers’ pet of the day
“This is our Chloe. She was a rescue, and we saved her from being put down. Chloe was the sweetest dog and loved to go camping. She loved to hike or just sit by the fire. Sadly, she crossed over the Rainbow Bridge last fall at the ripe age of 16. We so miss her. I’m sure she is chilling next to a fire in dog heaven.” —Cori Cotton
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
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RVtravel.com All-Star Team
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Chloe is adorable, especially with that hat. I’m sorry you lost her. She looks like a sweet dog.
Chloe was gorgeous, Thank You for rescuing and I’m sure she enjoyed every moment with you!
You’re never too old to skydive. Former President George H.W. Bush jumped (tandem) on his birthday every year. Well in to his 80’s. Like skiing, “we don’t stop skiing because we get old, we get old because we stop skiing”. Stop using age for an excuse, live life!!l
I rode the Cloudscraper zip line across the Royal Gorge in Colorado for the second time this past June, a goal to ride at age 80! I’m hoping to do it for a third time, too.
Love it!
What prompted my first jump was a pamphlet I saw while visiting Sydney some 20 years ago. It read “fear is the thief of dreams”. That pulled me in. Hard. Took it as a “challenge”. Continued jumping stateside in pursuit of my A license. Worked hard to overcome my fear of heights.
You go get that third ride on the zipline, good for you!.
Wow, good for you! I had a hard time even WATCHING people do that!!😬
Everybody doesn’t get a chance to get old. Happy Birthday to everyone having a birthday today.
Thank you for rescuing Chloe~ what a doll. It is so hard to lose them. Just lost our gal in October. We got another rescue and she really rescued us.
I need to get a life… I got the trivia question correct!
Chloe did not pass over the rainbow bridge. She is waiting there for you. Read the tale.
Thank you, Michael. Here’s a link to the Rainbow Bridge. (Made me cry.😢) Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com