America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2806
Today’s thought
“For me, I am driven by two main philosophies: know more today about the world than I knew yesterday and lessen the suffering of others. You’d be surprised how far that gets you.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Pepper Pot Day!
On this day in history: 1845 – The United States annexes the Republic of Texas and admits it as the 28th state.
Tip of the day
RV battery comparison made simple: Factors to consider
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
If you’ve spent any time thinking about RV power, you know batteries are more than just a box that stores energy.
Today, RVers have more options than ever: traditional lead-acid, LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate), and newer semi-solid state batteries like the ones Renogy is introducing. Each comes with real trade-offs that can affect your off-grid experience.
This RV battery comparison looks at the four key factors that matter most to travelers. Those are: longevity, weight, cost, and safety.
RV review
2026 Rockwood Mini Lite 2523MBR: Cute, spacious and well-equipped
By Gail Marsh
The 2026 Rockwood Mini Lite 2523MBR travel trailer is surprisingly spacious and well-equipped. It just may be the perfect couple’s RV. It offers a spacious kitchen, bedroom, and bath areas for couples in a unit less than 26 feet long. Check it out.
YOU DIDN’T MISS YESTERDAY’S NEWSLETTER, DID YOU?
It was our biggest issue of the year, filled with the stories you loved most in every. single. category! Yep! Make or pour another cup of your favorite beverage and read it here.
In the RV shop with Dustin
Cool Tools: Kill A Watt measures watt/amp draw
Back in the day, Dave Solberg and I would meet for a livestream called Talkin’ RV Tech. We’d not only answer technical questions, but we would also share what we like to call “cool tools.” These are tools and gadgets that we actually use! We knew they would be helpful to you, too. Here’s a clip of one of those videos where we discussed the Kill A Watt™ EZ Electricity Usage Monitor.
Sore butt? Not anymore!
Every RVer has a sore butt because we sit for hours while we drive! Admit it: When you stand up from a long stretch of driving, you “ugh” or “sigh” or “groan” and make a comment about your butt or your back, right? We know. Us, too. Crafted with premium high-density memory foam, this cushion contours to your body and holds its shape. It provides ergonomic support while reducing pressure on your hips, tailbone, and lower back. Thank us later! Find it here.
Article and video
RV electric blanket comparison showdown
When the weather turns cold, which electric blanket is best to keep you warm in your RV? Drew from Playing With Sticks did an electric blanket comparison in this video, putting three different brands and models to the test.
The latest news for RVers
- Oldest park ranger dies
- Forget plugging in your electric RV. The road will charge it as you drive!
- RV shipments dip in November
- Ford issues major recall on EVs and hybrids; park mode may fail
To read more recent news, click here.
Featured article
Historic tree carvings tell stories of Basque shepherds across the West
By Gail Marsh
In the vast, rugged landscapes of the Western United States, you can hear the winds whisper through ancient pines and aspens. It’s there where you’ll find a unique form of storytelling: arborglyphs. These tree carvings, made primarily by Basque shepherds in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, offer visitors a peek into the lives, hopes, and artistry of these solitary shepherds.
Ask Dave
What is best to keep hair from clogging RV’s shower drain?
Let this be the year you finally keep your car and RV clean!
Head into 2026 with a clean car and RV. This small, cordless vacuum is meant for cars and RVs and will clean up all that campsite dirt and snack crumbs in no time. The vacuum has 4 settings and comes with 10 accessories that reach every nook and corner. Plus, it only weighs 1 pound! Learn more here.
Reader poll
Which do you prefer: A real wood campfire or a propane fire pit?
Quick tip
Easy tip to clean the inside of your windshield
Mike Sokol writes, “I used to drag out a bottle of Windex and a roll of paper towels to clean the inside of my windshield periodically, but unless I was home to think about and do the task right then, chances are I would forget about it until the next time I had to drive at night. My wife gave me a pack of Windex Wipes for my truck, and now I can clean up the inside of my windshield any time it gets a film of streaky dust. Works great and it’s always at the ready. You can buy them here.”
Website of the day
Quick, Draw!
Yes, we admit we spent too much time on this website, but it’s fun! You’re given a prompt to “draw” (on the computer screen) a thing/object. If it can guess what you’re drawing, you win that round. Try it.
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
While this isn’t necessarily meant for an RV, it’s PERFECT for an RV! No more tabletop, desktop, or kitchen counter cleaning ever again! Check it out.
Trivia
Full-service restaurant tips in the United States in the third quarter of 2025 averaged 19.2%. Delaware restaurant workers fared best, averaging 21.1%. Other good tipping states were West Virginia (20.9%), Indiana (20.5%), Kentucky (20.4%), New Hampshire (20.4%) and Ohio (20.3%). The worst tippers were in Florida (18.1%), Washington (17.5%) and in California and Washington, D.C. (17.2%). —Casino News
Readers’ pet of the day
“Here’s Reia (breed: “hairy”), age 5, enjoying one of her favorite places, Half Moon Bay at Westport, WA. Reia spent 11 months in the Benson, AZ, Dog Jail. I guess she was waiting for me. For Reia, travel is all about the destination and the chance to collect pets and make new canine friends. Pup cups and tummy rubs make for a happy day.” —Jack Block
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.
GOOD DEAL! While you’re in the RV/car cleaning mood (see above), how about getting Meguiar’s 6-piece Complete Car Care Kit, on special at Walmart for $24.88 instead of $46.19.
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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Reia with that big smile seems to be saying free at last, thanks Dad. One happy pup.
I agree. Reia looks so happy on the beach and out of dog jail. May the two of you have a long and wonderful travel life together.
Remember to over tip your breakfast wait staff. They got up earlier than you.
Re: cleaning windshield. A 50/50 solution of vinegar and water not only cleans the windshield much cheaper, but also cleans: shower and shower doors; boat water spots; floors; windows, most counters and sinks and a lot more.
Thank you for rescuing Reia, Jack! I hope you have many, many wonderful adventures together in the coming years. Thank you, Emily and Diane! Have a great week and safe travels (whether out-and-back, around and around, or otherwise)!
🤣👍 Thanks, Neal. “Around and around she goes. Where she stops, nobody knows.” I’ll be wearing my nonskid shoes at the frosty track tonight for sure! Have a great day and a terrific and healthy 2026! 🤗 –Diane
Reia is gorgeous and looks like a very happy dog. Thank you for rescuing from dog jail/prison.
Reia is such a happy, beautiful and sweet looking doggy! 🥰🐶
on battery article you should have added cold weather comparison. Also in Washington state the minimum wage in 2026 is $17.13 an hour.
The smile on Reia is all that’s needed. Looks so HAPPY
I have the easiest and most efficient way to clean the inside of a windshield– a clean, dry micro fiber cloth.
Who calculates a tip down to a tenth of a percent?
Hi, Gary. Those are just averages, not individual tip percentages, but that does sound kinda weird. Have a great day and a terrific and healthy 2026! 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Someone who carries a calculator with them.
Now that the penny is gong away, the percentages may change.
Jack Block, what are pup cups?
Hi, Diane. In case Jack doesn’t see your comment, pup cups are little treats for dogs handed out at numerous fast food, and other, places. If you Google “pup cups” you’ll see what the treats are and where they’re handed out. Have a good night. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
North American tipping culture is out of control! Here in Canada most servers bring us the credit card machine with a prompt that starts at 18-25%, AFTER TAX!
I spent 30 years in the business, and could not be happier that I am now retired.
Smaller portions, higher prices, less quality, and reduced service adds up to much fewer restaurant visits for me than ever.
FYI; when we get out of our bubble and travel internationally, most countries have laws to pay hospitality staff a living wage so tipping is not required. It’s already in the menu price.
Happy New Years from Canada everyone! 🇨🇦