From RVtravel.com: The common sense resource for RVers since 2001 • Issue 2790
Today’s thought
“No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is Bathtub Party Day! Woohoo!
On this day in history: 1848 – California Gold Rush: In a message to the United States Congress, U.S. President James K. Polk confirms that large amounts of gold had been discovered in California.
Tip of the day
How to level an RV: Fast, easy, accurate
By Cheri Sicard
Jared Gillis of All About RVs, one of our readers’ favorite RV YouTube channels, is here to talk about something that every RVer has to do. Without a doubt, how to level your RV is one of the first skills you should master, as it’s important for comfort and for your RV’s functionality.
Why is it important to level your RV? Well, read on…
In the RV shop with Dustin
A mandatory checklist for exterior RV maintenance inspections
Performing regular exterior inspections and outdoor maintenance tasks of your RV is crucial to maintaining its condition and protecting your investment. Here’s a guide inspired by my walk-through video to help you conduct a thorough exterior inspection.
Article and video
Mittry Lake Wildlife Area—Free Arizona BLM boondocking
By Cheri Sicard
Mittry Lake Wildlife Area BLM sits just north of Yuma, Arizona, and offers wide-open views, water, and plenty of tucked-away spots to camp. In the video at the end of this post, RVers Scott and Nan use their drone to show how much quiet space is out there, along with canals, farm fields, and little pockets of rigs scattered around the shore.
FACTOID: At various times in history, the White House has been known as the “President’s Palace,” the “President’s House,” and the “Executive Mansion.” President Theodore Roosevelt officially gave the White House its current name in 1901.
Makes a great gift!
A heated foot massager? Say no more!
Experience next-level relaxation with the RENPHO Foot Massager, crafted by massage therapists for deeper kneading and soothing compression. Enjoy customizable intensity, fast-warming heat up to 131°F, and reliable, high-quality performance designed to improve circulation and melt away foot tension. Fits up to men’s size 12 and makes an ideal gift for anyone who needs relief from long days, travel, or exercise. Learn more or order.
Featured article
Why I canceled my Thousand Trails membership after just using it once
By Chris Mott
Living in an RV full-time comes with logistical challenges—not the least of which is a place to park every night. I looked into camping membership options including KOA, Harvest Hosts, Good Sam, and Thousand Trails. There were varying prices, options, and features. Ultimately, I chose the Camping Pass offered by Thousand Trails, but canceled my membership after just one use. Here’s why.
Ask Dave
What size air compressor should I use to winterize my rig?
Read Dave’s recommendation here.
You may have missed these recent popular stories…
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- New Starlink Mini RV charger powers Starlink Mini and other devices at once
Reader poll
At what age do you think “old age” begins?
GET COZY WITH A NEW BOOK! Here are all Amazon’s new-release books. Find your next read here.
Quick tip
Safe-following-distance driving tip
Reader Myron B. comments on a reader suggestion about gauging safe following distance by using a vehicle length for every 10 miles-per-hour of speed. Like some readers, Myron finds it hard to gauge a vehicle length: “Tractor trailer or Smart car?” He uses a landmark the vehicle ahead is passing, then counts the seconds until he reaches the same spot. “The usual count is four seconds,” writes Myron. “When I drive my motorhome, I increase that time to six or seven seconds because of the extra weight I’m carrying and the distance I want between me and the next guy.” Thanks, Myron!
On this day last year…
- Tip: Transform RV bedroom into office. No tools or screws needed
- Ask Dave: Will WFCO Auto Detect charge RV’s lithium batteries?
- Article & video: Tour an original vintage 1960 Spartan Carousel trailer
- Featured article: Ralph Nader and the transmission shift P-R-N-D-L sequence
Website of the day
22 Awesome Holiday Decoration Ideas For Your RV
Some of these ideas for holiday decorations are just too cute! We’ll have to take some of these and do them around our RVs!
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
This is just gosh darn tear-JERKin’ amazing! Holy cow! No, holy beef! Click here to drool. (Hint: If you gave this to someone for the holidays, you’d instantly be their favorite person!)
Trivia
In 2023, 646 motorists in the United States were killed in tire-related crashes. So says the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Readers’ pets of the day
“Blue and Tessa travel the country visiting state and national parks, family and friends in their hybrid RV. Their favorite times are spent looking out the windows at birds, butterflies, and wildlife, and getting spoiled with extra treats, brushes, and pets!” —Chris Bemis
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!
FREE IS GOOD! Heading to Nebraska? Get a free Nebraska Travel Guide by mail (includes a “packet of Nebraska tourism information”) or online.
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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Blue and Tessa look so regal in this picture. Beautiful coloring on both of them.
My adaptive cruise control seems to do well at maintaining a distance that is comfortable for me.
Your mileage may vary.
But, the adaptive cruise only takes into the consideration of your vehicle. If you are towing 6000 lbs., it takes much longer to stop. The adaptive cruise doesn’t know that.
On our 2022 Newmar Class A, the adapter cruise control does adapt to the overall weight of your coach and tow….it incorporates an accelerometer sensor and brakes are applied based on forward momentum
And one can also adjust to your personal preferences, within limits, a standard shorter or longer following distance.
Adaptive cruise quickly became one of my favorite features in my Newmar New Aire. It’s also smart enough to not apply brakes or slow down if someone passes and cuts in within the following distance but continues to go fast enough that the gap is increasing.
Actually, with all due respect, that’s not true. If your toad has the mandatory supplemental braking system, your coach and toad will stop quicker than a same coach without a toad.
The problem I’ve had is leaving the safe space open. Someone will pass and fill the spot every time!
Heres an old truck driver trick to fix that…
Find the “common speed” and then back off 1-2 mph.
You’ll see the advantage immediately. Instead of you reacting to everyone else, everyone else reacts to you.
It also keeps people from driving right next to you.
I suspect the follow distance is adjustable with most adaptive cruise systems. When just the tow vehicle I set it for a closer distance; when towing, I move it to the max setting. Also means on aggressive multi-lane highways (looking at you I dash number roads), someone will inevitably cut me off just past my front bumper and brake to take an exit a 1/4 mile ahead.
Blue and Tessa are great looking cats. They make me want to look at what ever they are seeing. Thanks for sharing
Blue and Tessa are really concentrating on whatever is outside the window. They are both gorgeous. Keep on camping.
1 vehicle length for each 10mpg