America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2802
Today’s thought
“It is good to love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is well done.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Pfeffernusse Day!
On this day in history: 1947 – The transistor is first demonstrated at Bell Laboratories.
Tip of the day
How to cope with noisy neighbors in the campground
Few things shatter the peace of a campground faster than unwanted noise. You arrive hoping for some peace and quiet, only to find a generator droning all night, a nearby RV blasting a Rambo movie on their outdoor TV, or a group of campers a few sites down that think “quiet hours” end at 2 a.m.
Noise is one of the most common campground complaints among RVers. While you can’t control everyone else’s behavior, you can take practical steps to protect your rest and sanity. Here’s how to cope with loud noise in the campground without letting it ruin your trip.
Article and video
Amazing DIY truck camper tiny home with panoramic windows
In this video, we meet Christopher and his amazing DIY truck camper. Christopher’s tiny home on the back of a 1990 Ford F350 feels like a cabin dropped onto a truck. After years of backpacking and living off a motorcycle, he sees this as true luxury space and feels very appreciative and grateful for it. This is seriously an amazing “home”!
Featured article
Making a “life map” can help you appreciate the past and plan for the future
By Nanci Dixon
For anyone who has the rest of their lives, those of us still above ground, a life map is a momentous way to reflect on the past and plan for the future. A reflection and a plan, no matter what life stage one is at. I was rambling through emails and recommended reads when a headline caught my eye. An audible groan escaped my lips. But then…
Keep your hands warm all winter long
These are Amazon’s best-selling rechargeable handwarmers. These handwarmers come in many colors and heat up in just three seconds. Three temperature settings up to 126 °F meet different comfort needs: ideal for outdoor walks, sports events, or cold morning chores. They’re small, lightweight, and easily fit in any pocket. Know someone who is always cold? They (or you!) need these!
Ask Dave
Can we use RV slide room when retracted?
Reader poll
Is the holiday season a highlight of your year? Or not?
Quick tip
Banish RV slideout squeaks
Annoyed by a squeaky slideout? That sound can be as irritating as nails on a chalkboard. To silence it, extend the slideout and check the support arms for any wear marks—these are likely the main culprits. Use spray-on dry lube to coat the wear marks, then wipe off the excess with a clean cloth. Dry lubes are better than wet ones because they attract less dust and dirt. Also, if your slideout has “teeth,” give those a quick spray, too. Finally, ensure the squeak isn’t from the seal rubbing against the sidewall—clean and wax the sidewalls to reduce friction. You can get the 3-In-One Dry Lube on Amazon.
On this day last year…
- RV review: Jayco Jay Flight 235MBH—with or without a slide
- Ask Dave: How to get excessive mold out of RV’s freshwater tank
- Article & video: 5 hidden gem camping spots nobody talks about
- Featured article: Five tips for easy RV winter camping
Website of the day
Strangest Town Names in Florida
We know many of you are in Florida right now, so we thought you’d get a kick out of this. Some of these are so funny! This website, Florida Travel + Life, has some other great articles, too, if you’re in Florida now or will be soon.
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Trip planning for 2026? Getting ready to make campsite reservations? Well, this will certainly help you!
And the survey says…
We’ve polled RVtravel.com readers close to 5,000 times in recent years. Here are a few things we’ve learned about them:
• 54 percent have visited a California redwood grove within the last 20 years.
• 20 percent envision themselves living full-time in their RV someday.
• 58 percent say RVing to Alaska is on their bucket list.
Recent poll: Do you keep your awning out most of the time or only when you’re sitting outside?
Trivia
The top Christmas tree-producing states are Oregon, followed by North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Washington. The average growing time is seven years, but it can take as few as four and as many as 15 to reach the typical height of 6 to 7 feet. —National Christmas Tree Association
Readers’ pet of the day
“Rylie is a 7-year-old Golden Retriever. Here she is relaxing at our campsite in the Adirondacks, October 2025. Fall camping at its best.” —Glenn Halpin
Send us a photo of your pet with a short description. We publish one each weekday in RV Daily Tips and in our Sunday RV Travel newsletter. No blurry photos, please! Please do not submit your photo more than once. Thanks!
• RVing with Dogs group on Facebook. You’ll love it.
Take an extra 10% off a GhostBed luxury RV mattress!
The GhostBed RV mattress is 10” deep, crafted with gel memory foam for coolness, has 3 layers of luxurious comfort and is perfectly sized for your RV! Ahhhh… Wake up relaxed and rejuvenated. RVtravel.com readers now get an EXTRA 10% OFF a GhostBed Luxury RV Mattress! CLICK HERE and use code RVTRAVEL10. Watch RVtravel.com’s Tony Barthel’s RV mattress review here.
FREE IS GOOD! Wendy’s Wednesday’s gifts every Wendy’s Rewards™ member FREE six-piece nuggets with any mobile app purchase of $5 or more every Wednesday.
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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I’ve found the best way to lube slide seals is with talcum powder. I use Tire Talc, as it doesn’t contain any scents or oils. It’s available at auto parts stores and on Amazon. I put it in an old sock and dab it on. the seal and the slide wall where the seal meets it. Once or twice per year seems to be enough.
I need a consensus of opinion. On my 2021 Thor Quantum 25′ the directions say the slide should NEVER be opened without putting down the stabilizers. I see this step as unnecessary if I’m only going to be in a spot for one night. BTW the bed is located primarily in the slide. When I’m overnighting in the Walmart “RV park” I don’t want to put stabilizers down, but the bed is folded in the middle and unusable when the slide is in. Thanks for any input.
Putting the slide out without the stabilizers may put undue stress on the mechanism and the supporting wall. That extra uneven weight hanging out can actually twist the framework. The unit should be level and secure before extending the slide.
Follow your manufacturer’s instructions.
Instructions can vary mfg to mfg and they have a reason why. Many require a rig to be jacks down & leveled first. For their rigs, that is when the frame is least “stressed” and the slide opening square.
My Newmar DP motorhome is the opposite. They instruct to run out slides while still on air ride as that is when the frame is under the least stress and squared up. Then dump air and level.
So, do what your specific instructions say.
Finally someone who reads instructions FIRST. Not AFTER. They are there for a reason.
Good one, Chuck!
Rylie is absolutely gorgeous and appears to be enjoying herself camping. Keep on camping.
Regarding Strangest Town Names, Pennsylvania has retired that award.
“54 percent have visited a California redwood grove within the last 20 years.”
I would bet 99% of that 54% were from neighboring states.
Rylie has it right – fall camping and the Adirondacks are the best! Thanks for sharing
I can’t believe a Florida travel site would leave out “Sopchoppy” from its list of Strangest Town Names!