From RVtravel.com: The common sense resource for RVers since 2001 • Issue 2786
Today’s thought
“The mark of the immature man is that he wants to die nobly for a cause, while the mark of the mature man is that he wants to live humbly for one.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Pie Day!
On this day in history: 1878 – The first-ever telephone is installed in the White House for President Rutherford B. Hayes.
Tip of the day
Can you afford to snowbird?
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
Are you an RVer tired of the cold winter weather and ready to become a snowbird? Wondering how you can afford to snowbird? Here are a few things to help you figure out whether or not you can fit the snowbird lifestyle into your financial limits.
Getting away from the cold country for the winter can bring some amount of relief to your finances. Pull out the records for the last couple of years and figure out how much you’re spending on heating the house. You may be able to cut way back on that expense, and in some cases, even eliminate it altogether. How so?
More tips from this weekend:
- Is a mobile RV repair service right for you?
- What to do if you get into an accident with your RV
- Everything you know about circuit breakers is wrong
- Identifying your RV refrigerator information
In the RV shop with Dustin
Why professional RV inspections matter
Investing in a motorized or towable RV is a significant decision. Whether you’re purchasing from a dealership or a private party, knowing the realistic condition of the vehicle before you sign on the dotted line can save you from future headaches and financial strain. Let us help you navigate this process with confidence.
Article and video
Portable DIY RV skirting for cold weather
By Cheri Sicard
The video below introduces us to Silver of the USS Overlander YouTube channel and her portable DIY RV skirting project. Silver made the video in freezing weather to show that there are things you can do to keep a non-four-seasons rig from freezing in cold weather. Continue reading.
MISSED THE BLACK FRIDAY SALES? DON’T WORRY, IT’S CYBER MONDAY!
The best sales are still live, but just for a little while longer! Now you really can’t miss out! See everything on sale here.
The latest news for RVers
- Major RV electrical requirement pushed to 2027 amid equipment shortage
- Flood of alarmist YouTube videos spew lies about demise of the RV industry
- Five smart ways to keep your RV from being stolen
- How delayed pay for seasonal park workers could affect campgrounds and trails
- Forest River to update its customer call center to improve service
To read more recent news, click here.
Featured article
10+ tips for using carabiners while camping. These are nifty!
By Gail Marsh
If you think only mountain climbers use carabiners, think again. Turns out these unique clips come in handy when camping and RVing, too. Read on to see what I mean.
RANDOM RV THOUGHT: Visiting cemeteries is an excellent way to take a break from driving when RVing. It’s a peaceful activity, and you will gain insights about local history. You can stretch your legs, too. That will feel good.
Ask Dave
All about RV weight ratings
Reader poll
How many TVs do you have in your RV?
The best socket set for RVs
Tackle nearly any RV, truck, or trailer job with the NEIKO 02282B 1/2-Inch-Drive Impact Socket Set. JD from Big Truck Big RV calls it one of his most-used tools of all time. These thin-walled, impact-rated sockets fit tight spaces that others can’t, making RV tasks fast and easy. Durable, compact and designed for heavy-duty use. Watch JD’s video or learn more and order.
OUR READERS MAKE US LAUGH: A reader named David left this comment on an article last week. It didn’t have much to do with the article he was commenting about. But it cracked us up. He wrote: “We take our pet parakeets with us on every trip. Due to insurance reasons we no longer let them drive. Won’t make that mistake again.”
Quick tip
Got the right-sized tools?
“Make sure that you have a lug wrench and jack that will work with YOUR trailer. The jack must fit under the axle when the tire is deflated.” —From Trailers & Fifth Wheels Made Easy with Bill’s Hints [Note: That should probably say, “The jack must fit under the frame…”.]
Website of the day
Travel British Columbia: Winter Camping
Heading up to our friendly northern neighbors this winter? Check out this list of winter camping destinations (parks and campgrounds) from Travel British Columbia. And if you’re heading up to B.C., check out the rest of the site, too.
Scam Alert
“You missed jury duty! Pay up!”
A popular scam these days targets the elderly with text messages containing attachments that look like official legal documents from the FBI, local judges or state officials, stating that the recipient has an outstanding arrest warrant for failure to obey a jury-duty summons. Often, documents use legitimate-looking insignia or letterhead and actual names of local officials. The scammers demand payment via phone apps or Bitcoin. Do not respond to the text or click any links. Warrants are always served in person: law enforcement agencies never use payment apps or cryptocurrency. If you think that you really might have missed a jury duty notice, call the court directly using a number that you look up yourself. —FTC.gov
Trivia
A 1939 copy of Superman No. 1 has become the world’s most expensive comic book after being auctioned for a super-heroic $9.12 million in November. Heritage Auctions said the comic book was found by a Northern California family while they were cleaning out the attic of their mother’s home after her death last year.
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
This is actually really cool! We might have to order one… If you like these places, and doing this thing, then you’re going to think this is really cool, too! (And this would make a great gift if they love those places and doing that thing!)
Readers’ pet of the day
“Zoey (German Shepherd, age 3) has been camping with us for three seasons. Always eager to go on the next adventure. Loves walks, rides, and snoozing by the campfire.” —Gerry Stoll
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.
FREE IS GOOD! Give and receive free things from others in your community at Freecycle.org. More than 5,000 local communities participate.
Leave here with a laugh
Today’s weather forecast across the nation
THIS MAP UPDATES TWICE A DAY
Visit Current National Radar Weather Map
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RVtravel.com All-Star Team
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Zoey is gorgeous, looks like everything is under control and under observation. Keep on camping!
Zoey is a great looking GSD!
The picture of Zoey is nearly identical to pictures we have of our little girl, KC. All dogs are great. German Shepherds are even greater.
The quick tip is wrong. You never want to put the jack under the axle. The axle is made to flex. Using the jack on the axle can put a permanent bend in it. It is not designed to support the weight of the trailer.
Place the jack on the frame or on the spring shackle.
If you must use the jack on the axle, keep it as close to the spring as possible.
One other tip – make sure your lug wrench can remove the spare from the carrier. Our bumper carrier came with a spare lug bolt and nut (handy place) to secure the spare. Only when used on the carrier, the bolt is too long for the socket to engage the lug nut. I needed a deep socket to get the spare off the carrier.
I agree with your statement on the placement of the jack. The tip stated “fit” under the axle – so you can get your jack to the proper placement to lift safely.
Yes, but just saying ‘under’ the axle leaves a lot of room for error. Most would place it away from the wheel to make more room to jack it up.
I read that “The jack must fit under the axle when the tire is deflated”, NOT jack it up from there! My 2 cents worth!
Snoopy
Why else would it have to fit under the axle if you’re not planning to jack it up from there?
Certainly nothing wrong with placing the jack under the axle, as long as it is under the spring bottom plate.
Read my post. I said it needs to be under the spring shackle. That is not part of the actual axle.
It also appears that the original article was revised.
“[Note: That should probably say, “The jack must fit under the frame…”.]”
Seems that nobody commenting here read the part that clearly stated “[Note: That should probably say, “The jack must fit under the frame…”.] “
Hi, Artful. That note was added after some comments came in about the hint. Have a good evening/night. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
In Today’s Thought, J.D. Salinger states “The mark of the immature man is that he wants to die nobly for a cause, while the mark of the mature man is that he wants to live humbly for one.” ―J.D. Salinger
By using this quote, you’ve disrespected every veteran and currently serving person in our military. As veterans, we were not immature, and yes, we were ready to die for our country. What a selfish quote!
As a former Marine, I’m glad I served humbly instead of having to die nobly. The quote is on point.
Reference the Trivia: A 1939 copy of Superman No. 1 …..auctioned … earlier this month. This is December 1st. What date could be earlier than that???
Every date from January 1st to November 30th is earlier!
Hi, Charlie. But that would be earlier this year, not earlier this month. It’s been corrected in the newsletter. Have a great day! 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Thanks, Impavid. It’s been corrected. It was written in November, which is why it had been written that way. And I proofed it last month and didn’t think about it being a different month when it would appear in the newsletter.🫣 Have a great day! 😀 –Diane
Thank you for sharing Zoey’s picture, Gerry! He looks like one chill dude. May you continue having many wonderful traveling and camping experiences together. Thank you, Emily and Diane! Have a great day and safe and mostly dry travels!
Coconut cream pie or Cherry pie