America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2811
Today’s thought
“I regret that it takes a life to learn how to live.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Bird Day!
On this day in history: 1914 – The Ford Motor Company announces an eight-hour workday and a minimum daily wage of $5 in salary plus bonuses. The average wage at the time was $2.34 for a nine-hour workday.
Tip of the day
Water pressure regulators keep geysers out of your RV
As many as 2,000 people are on hand each time Yellowstone’s Old Faithful geyser pops off. You can bet a lot of them got there in their RVs. Geysers are fascinating—a lot of water under pressure, looking for an “out.” One place a geyser isn’t welcome is inside your RV. But water under pressure is always seeking an “out.” If there’s too much pressure, your RV plumbing could be that out. Using a water pressure regulator can hold down the stress, and keep your RV dry.
A water pressure regulator is a simple gadget that acts as an RV plumbing safety device. Every time you hook up your RV to a “city water” outlet, you run some risk. Continue reading.
More tips from this weekend:
- The best New Year’s resolution tips for RVers
- The easiest way to find a quality campground or RV park nearby
- Before you trust A.I. to help buy an RV, here’s what to know
RV review
2026 Keystone Cougar 25MLE—comfy for couples
The 2026 Keystone Cougar 25MLE keeps creature comforts high without a huge footprint. This easy-to-tow travel trailer may be the downsized rig you’ve been searching for. Take a closer look and see. Keystone built the 25MLE around its HyperCore™ composite wall system and HyperDeck™ water-resistant flooring. This reduces the risk of rot and cuts the overall weight compared with traditional wood construction. Continue reading.
Heated car blanket keeps you warm on the road
Do you fight with your partner about the heat in the car or RV? Are you always hot? Always cold? Well, for the one who is always cold, they probably need this 12-volt heated car blanket. You don’t have to blast the heat, and they stay warm. Win-win! Check it out.
In the RV shop with Dustin
Installing Roadmaster Tow Defender for ultimate towed vehicle protection
Join me “In The RV Shop” as I show you how to install the Roadmaster Tow Defender and explain what it does. The Tow Defender’s all-weather, heavy-duty screen deflects rocks, gravel and road debris down and away, protecting your towed vehicle’s finish, headlights and windshield against chips and dings. Learn more here.
Article and video
Two fast and easy winter RV mods to help you stay warmer
Join Jared Gillis of All About RVs in this video as he demonstrates two fast and easy RV mods to help you stay warmer when the temperatures dip. Jared says these tips address two of the five ways heat escapes RVs.
Buy this luxury motorcoach for $45,000. No kidding!
How can something this huge, this luxurious looking, be available for a mere $45,000? Heck, you can’t even buy a decent travel trailer for that, much less something so luxurious. Is there a catch? Is the engine beat to bloody hell? Does it get four miles a gallon on a good day, you know, where you’ve got a 20 mph tailwind pushing you along? Continue reading, and buy it??
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The latest news for RVers
- Why staffing shortages in national parks are changing the visitor experience
- Motorhome carrying 15 overturns in Florida, raising safety questions
- Why motorhome rollovers are so dangerous—and why seatbelts really matter
To read more recent news, click here.
Featured article
Should RVers be worried about nighttime theft in RV parks?
By Gail Marsh
We were happy to welcome a “newbie RVer” to the campfire last night. His enthusiasm seemed to roll off him in waves! He’s beginning his full-time adventure in a previously loved (pre-owned) travel trailer. He’s really excited, but he has questions… and one big, disturbing question about nighttime theft. Here’s how the conversation unfolded.
Ask Dave
Your smoke alarm: Meet new code? Maintained properly? Critical info
Read this important information.
Keep your windshield clean!
No more dirty windshield—inside or out! This windshield cleaner comes in three different sizes, and the large, swivel head easily wipes dirt, grime, dust, and whatever else is dirtying up your windshield right off. Too easy! Thank us later. Learn more or order.
Reader poll
Do you have a favorite place to camp that you return to often?
Quick tip
Emergency preparedness for the whole “family”
Is your RV your bug-out vehicle in case of an emergency? Many RVers keep a stock of non-perishable food, medications, etc., ready on board in case of an evacuation. But do your plans and preparation include Fido and Fluffy? The U.S. Department of Agriculture suggests:
- Stock at least a one-week supply of food and fresh water on hand for your pet, as well as a one-week supply of medication, if your pet takes medication.
- Include copies of your pet’s vaccination records and other medical records in your pet preparedness kit. Include information about your pet’s insurance policy, if you have one.
- Experts suggest that you also include photos of your pet to help others identify them in case you and your pet become separated.
Website of the day
Exercise Plan for Older Adults
Even if you’re not a senior, this page from healthline.com has a great, easy-to-follow workout plan everyone can benefit from (plus many more exercises as you scroll down the page).
Trivia
In Venezuela, where the Catatumbo River meets Lake Maracaibo, you’ll find one of the most electrically active places on Earth. About 300 nights out of the year, lightning strikes across the sky almost continually all night. Lightning flashes occur more than 500 times per square mile per year! Wow!
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Pedal your way through 2026 with this amazing thing. This is a brilliant way to stay active, fit and (maybe) lose weight like magic—and you don’t have to step foot outside!
Readers’ pet of the day
“Pumpkin (German ‘Shedder’, age 6) came to us 6 weeks ago. We were mourning the loss of our second baby girl. She loves to see stuff, so you usually find her there.” —Jocelyn Poissant
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!
Make a shelter dog happy
Choose from one of 10 shelter dogs to join you on a walk on the Nature Loop at beautiful Picacho Peak State Park near Tucson. You’ll make a dog very happy! Upcoming dates are: January 10, February 14, March 14 and April 11. Learn more.
FREE IS GOOD! Retirement Calculator: Planning to retire someday? If so, it’s important to check in with your savings periodically to see if you’re on track. This free retirement calculator can be an effective starting point for your retirement planning, given what is known—and not known—right now.
Leave here with a laugh
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RVtravel.com All-Star Team
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Pumpkin looks as if she has quickly gotten comfortable with her new family! Y’all go make some great memories…Don
Pumpkin is gorgeous, and looks rather comfortable checking everything out. She looks like a great companion and camper. keep on camping.
I just hope Pumpkin has a license if she’s going to be driving. Beautiful dog!
Pumpkin the German “shedder” haha perfect!
thanks for sharing