From RVtravel.com: The common sense resource for RVers since 2001 • Issue 2775
Today’s thought
“It is dangerous to pretend that we know more than we do. But it is even more dangerous to pretend that we know less.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Pickle Day! Speaking of pickles… Did you hear about the father who turned his son into a pickle? It’s true! Chuck has the story.
On this day in history: 1889 – Pioneering female journalist Nellie Bly (aka Elizabeth Cochrane) begins a successful attempt to travel around the world in less than 80 days. She completes the trip in 72 days.
Tip of the day
Different ways to get rid of all that “stuff” to downsize
By Nanci Dixon
We are full-time RVers (mostly) and people usually have the same three questions for us. They ask us about how long we have been full-timing, how do we get our mail, and what we did with all our “stuff” to downsize. The first two questions are easy. The third question about stuff usually requires a bit more explanation.
We had hardly any time, less than three weeks, to clear everything out of our five-bedroom, three-living-room house with a shed, a greenhouse, and a large workroom. Don’t get me wrong, it was no mansion. It was just a too-big house with too much stuff. Here are all the things I did, and resources I used, to downsize. This might help you, too.
RV review
The new 2026 nüCamp Cirrus 920—not your grandpa’s truck camper
By Gail Marsh
If you haven’t seen this truck camper yet, brace yourself! nüCamp’s 2026 Cirrus 920 is not the camper your grandpa used for duck hunting! Today’s truck campers are made for today’s travelers. And nüCamp’s Cirrus 920 is lighter, leaner, and very impressive. Check it out.
Don’t take a break on your brakes!
Wonder what it would be like to have your brakes go out while you’re going down a long, steep grade? You might find out if your brake fluid is moisture-contaminated. Water in brake fluid boils and can wipe out your braking ability! Buy yourself a brake-fluid tester for less than $10 that warns you if there’s too much water in your fluid. Learn more or order.
In the RV shop with Dustin
RV underbelly leak repairs can be a nightmare, but this will help
One of the most frustrating things for an RVer is having to deal with a leak underneath the RV in the underbelly area! If you didn’t know, this is a dreaded repair even for an RV technician. RV underbelly leak repairs can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. But this can help.
Article and video
RV tech reveals 20 RV mistakes that drain your wallet
By Cheri Sicard
In this video, certified RV tech The RV Repair Woman, who has spent years fixing costly problems that could have been avoided, rounds up the most common money-sucking RV mistakes, what causes them, and what to do instead. Read the article and watch the video here.
Featured article
Pros and cons of single-axle vs. double-axle towing
By Cheri Sicard
If you have wondered about the pros and cons of single-axle RVs versus double-axle trailers, this information from Josh the RV Nerd at Bish’s RV will answer all. Read and watch.
FREE IS GOOD! For those of us 55 and better, get a free 16 oz. soft drink or 12 oz. coffee w/entree purchase at participating locations of Whataburger.
Ask Dave
My RV refrigerator will not run on LP. Should I put in bigger batteries?
You may have missed these recent popular stories…
- “Too expensive to camp, owe too much to sell; RV sits in storage”—an RVer’s tough reality
- Major Google Maps update could doom trip planner apps
- ‘RV parks are for the rich or senseless; barely within reach for budgeting retirees’
- 2026 Jayco Eagle SLE 24MLE—Finally a lightweight, full-size 5th wheel
- 10 best 2025 RV gear picks from the Hershey RV Show
- RV review: 2026 r-pod Un•Mapped 26ML—a big deal from the r-pod team
Reader poll
For dog owners: Would you pay 20% more for a fenced campsite where your dog could run free?
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Oh, these are just too cool! Ladies, you’re going to want this! (And if your partner is a lady, know that she wants this! Nudge nudge holiday gift nudge nudge.)
Quick tip
Carry tire balance beads with you, just in case
If you need to have a motorhome tire replaced by a service company, “alongside the road,” and carry only an unmounted tire, you will face this problem. The service tech can mount your tire, but doesn’t have the equipment to balance the tire in the field. An anonymous reader suggests carrying tire balance beads (available on Amazon) with you in your tool kit. Ask the tech to put them in the tire and you’ll eliminate the need to add another stop for tire balancing. Thanks for keeping us in balance, whoever you are!
On this day last year…
- RV review: Tour this Class A motorhome with TWO bedrooms: 2023 Fleetwood Fortis 36Y
- Ask Dave: Why does RV furnace blow warm air then turn cold?
- Article & video: Practical and fun crochet projects to keep your RV tidy
- Featured article: How to survive a tire blowout
Website of the day
National Park maps
The National Park Service publishes tons of great free maps. Matt Holly, a park ranger with the NPS, has collected them all and posted them on this site, where you can download PDF and image files of any U.S. national park map. This site currently has 2,622 free high-resolution national park maps to view, save and download.
Trivia
A significant portion of the lead used in manufactured bullets, particularly in the United States, comes from lead recycled from used automotive batteries. The recycled lead is processed in secondary smelters and then sold to manufacturers, including those who make bullets.
Readers’ pets of the day
“Maizy and Willow (Maine Coons). This was their first camping trip this past July, at 5 months old. They did very well. We are getting them used to traveling for their first Florida winter.” —Ellen Weilnau
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!
Secure what’s on those corner shower shelves!
Don’t worry about moving your soap or shampoo next time you drive. Easily install one of these stainless steel corner storage bars and keep everything in place—nothing will fall out ever again! These bars come in a one- or two-pack and can be adjusted to fit any shelf. They’re specifically made for RVs! Learn more about them here or order them here.
FINISHED READING THIS NEWSLETTER? Good! Now you can read yesterday’s brand-new Great RV Accessories newsletter! Never a shortage of newsletters around here!
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RVtravel.com All-Star Team
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Thank you for the tips on how to get rid of all our excess stuff. We are going to be downsizing soon and this will help me get it done.
Love Maine Coon cats, Maizie and Willow are darling!
The single vs dual axle article is too old to add comments. There is one point not mentioned. Tire wear. Tires age faster on dual axle trailers. Not just weight but scuffing and inter-ply shear. With a single axle, the tire on each end of the axle goes with the turn. With dual axles, at least one tire on each side must scuff sideways on the road during the furn (especially sharp turns). This same process is also what reduces sway and makes for straighter backing, so it isn’t all bad.
so right about scuffing of tire tread, lost several tires from sharp turns went to LT tires.
Beautiful kitties. We’ve enjoyed traveling with our kitties for 25 years. So nice to
have all the family together…