From RVtravel.com: The common sense resource for RVers since 2001 • Issue 2795
Today’s thought
“Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” ―
FLOOD WATCH: Thanks to readers who have inquired about the safety of our Seattle-based staff during the current floods. We are all okay, although the situation around us is of great concern.
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is Gingerbread House Day! Check out this RV gingerbread house. (Yes, an RV!)
On this day in history: 1901 – Guglielmo Marconi (using an antenna suspended 500 feet by kite) receives the first transatlantic radio signal (the letter “S” [•••] in Morse code), at Signal Hill in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada.
Tip of the day
How to use your RV toilet even in winter
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
Just because you winterized your RV doesn’t mean you can’t use it. Plenty of RVers get the sudden “hitch itch” in the middle of a cold winter. To escape “cabin fever” they head out on the road with the RV to see how things look when Jack Frost is running the show. But just how, some wonder, can you use the biffy? Hang on, pardner. There’s no need to cross your legs in discomfort until you hit a rest area! Here’s how to use your RV’s toilet in the cold months.
RV review
Downsize with the rugged and comfy Grand Design Lineage Series F Super C
If you’ve decided to downsize from your current RV but still want all of your creature comforts in a drivable rig, the 2026 Grand Design Lineage Series F Super Class C is worth a look. It uses the beefy Ford F-600 4×4 chassis and boasts a 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine. The 330 horsepower will get you almost anywhere you choose to go, and the interior of this drivable RV provides all of the comforts of home, enabling you to downsize, adventure, and still enjoy the ride. Check it out.
In the RV shop with Dustin
The benefits of RV roof vent covers and why you should have at least two
Did you know that RV roof vent covers help protect the vent lid, the vent lid seal and the roof vent sealants? They also reduce the inside temperature during the summer season. With a vent lid cover installed, you can open the vent rain or shine. Continue reading.
Never (and we mean never!) lose your wallet again
These wallets are designed with AirTags in mind, so if you ever lose your wallet, you’ll be able to track it immediately. We love this leather wallet (which comes in nine colors) but there are several other styles and types for both men and women. This one also has RFID-blocking technology built in, so nobody can scan your wallet and steal your information.
Article and video
Camping in a 1965 VW Bug travel trailer conversion
By Cheri Sicard
Walking into Henry’s Upholstery in La Habra, CA, feels a bit like walking into an old-school buffet. Everywhere a visitor looks, there are classic or soon-to-be classic cars in different stages of transformation. In the middle of all that sits something that stops people in their tracks: a 1965 Volkswagen Bug that has been turned into a tiny camper, complete with bedroom, kitchen, and personality to spare. You will love this!
FACTOID: Thomas Edison’s assistants came up with the idea of electric lights for Christmas trees.
Featured article
Personal rights vs. doing what’s right when camping
By Gail Marsh
A few nights ago, several campers gathered around the campfire. We began to discuss the “unwritten rules of camping.” Several newbies in the fire circle were curious about these rules. Who created them? Who, if anyone, enforces them? Why are these rules needed? And why aren’t the rules written down? Good questions! Continue reading.
Ask Dave
Twelve Days of Christmas RV Tools – Sixth day: non-contact voltage tester
By Dave Solberg
When a 120-volt component is not working, I have found that oftentimes it is not the component that’s the problem, but rather it’s an open circuit somewhere downstream. Tracking down the “gremlin” can be difficult without the proper tool. The non-contact voltage tester has been one of my go-to tools for not only RV troubleshooting, but residential, as well. Continue reading about how handy this tool is.
You may have missed these recent popular stories…
- RV review: Grand Design Imagine AIM 16MLA—It’s mini but mighty
- Improper trailer hitch extension—A disaster in the making
- Multi-use, transforming RV furniture
- Is ‘shoulder season’ changing? Late fall and early spring camping isn’t what it used to be
- AI dynamic pricing hits campgrounds nationwide as rates change by the minute
- Our best RV gear and gadgets of 2025
New and improved Dump Buddy is a must-have gadget for RV dumping
Don’t miss Tony’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.
Reader poll
How often do you play cards?
Quick tip
Helpful tip for parking your RV
From David C., regarding how to back up a trailer or fifth wheel: “I went to Harbor Freight Tools and bought some cheap orange-colored straps. I marked the length of my driver side slide so I would know where to place it. I then stretch them out so I have a visual of where I want the tires. I store these straps right behind the driver’s seat for quick access. Parking is so much easier. The only time I have problems is when I get too lazy to pull them out, thinking, ‘This will be easy.’ I usually end up cockeyed in the site with no reference line.” Thanks, David!
On this day last year…
- Ask Dave: What is the best backup camera when towing a travel trailer?
- Article & video: How to make perfect griddle breakfast burritos
- Featured article: Small and mighty: Grecell T-1000 portable power station
Website of the day
50 Experience Gifts for Everyone on Your List This Year
Instead of giving your special someone or your family members something, give them an experience. This list includes everything and will give you some great ideas.
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Does it get any better than these? If you need a holiday gift for the special lady in your life (or any other special campin’ lady), this is it. This is definitely it!
FINISHED READING THIS NEWSLETTER? Not so fast! Next, we suggest you read yesterday’s brand-new Great RV Accessories issue. Hint: It’s about poop. Yep.
Trivia
Did you know that the blueberry muffin is the official muffin of Minnesota? It was so declared in 1988.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Bridget (Irishdoodle, age 6) is a very sweet girl rescued from a puppy mill. She doesn’t know how to play. She was only a mommy for her first three years. She loves other dogs, but has no idea what to do with a tennis ball or squeaky toy. She’s easy to take to dog-friendly restaurants/pubs. We love her!” —Judy O’Betts
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! Mack’s® Earplugs free sample giveaway. Every Monday through Friday beginning at 11:00 a.m. EST, until daily limit is reached.
Leave here with a laugh
Think your dog deserves one of these hilarious balls? We do! You can find it here.
Today’s weather forecast across the nation
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RVtravel.com All-Star Team
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A much better alternative to the Air Tag Wallet is the KeySmart Card. Works just like an Air Tag but is less conspicuous and easily hidden. Everyone in my family has one in their wallet.
https://amzn.to/3KNiEM3
Bridget looks so fluffy and gorgeous. I bet she loves camping and just being with you. Keep on camping.
My sister likewise has a dog that is people shy (not remotely aggressive) and doesn’t know how to play. A few years after rescuing this dog, the vet wanted an x-ray for possible arthritis. Discovered the dog is peppered with inoperable bird shot – more than a couple rounds. Can you blame the dog for not liking loud noises?
We adopted a Brittany from a shelter. Someone had tied it to door.
He was the gentlest dog we ever had. He also was afraid of loud noises.
The vet said he was probably not trained properly for hunting. The original owner may have started gun training too early or had the dog in front of the gun.
The vet said most of these dogs are put down by the owner since they wanted a ‘hunting’ dog.
Ours was lucky!
Regarding the article about personal rights vs unwritten rules, it seems our society is increasingly failing to follow the golden rule I was taught as a kid. Do unto others as you would have done to you.
Yeah, now it’s more “Do whatever I want, and to heck with everyone else”.