America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2815
Today’s thought
“Stories can conquer fear, you know. They can make the heart bigger.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Apricot Day!
On this day in history: 1909 – Ernest Shackleton, leading the Nimrod Expedition to the South Pole, plants the British flag 97 nautical miles (180 km; 112 mi.) from the South Pole, the farthest anyone had ever reached at the time. (We highly recommend the book “Endurance”, about Shackleton.)
Tip of the day
Can I camp in an ADA site?
One of our readers wrote in about Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) camping sites.
Dana M. writes: “Are ADA-accessible RV camp spots to be treated the same as handicap parking spots, with penalties for unauthorized use? Or are they available for use by non-ADA persons the same as restrooms and toilet stalls when unoccupied and available? We recently visited a national park that had numerous accessible sites that I’m pretty sure were occupied by non-ADA campers.” To answer Dana’s question, well, continue reading.
RV review
2026 Forest River Vibe 2800RL—A twist on dual living slides
At first glance, the 2026 Forest River Vibe 2800RL looks like every other opposing-slide rear living travel trailer with an island, but after a closer look, it turns into a very different story. The missing dinette, the built-in desk, the window coverage, and the cooling setup all point to a couple’s coach that has been shaped by real-world feedback from actual campers. Check it out.
Clean those dirty, cloudy, dim headlights!
Cloudy headlights don’t just look bad, but they make night driving harder. This easy, three-step headlight restoration kit clears away oxidation and restores headlights to like-new clarity in about 30 minutes, with no power tools required. The real win? A ceramic coating that bonds to your headlights and protects them from UV damage for the long haul. A simple, satisfying fix for drivers who want safer, brighter nights on the road.
In the RV shop with Dustin
Benefits of using an RV backup camera
Using a rearview (RV backup) camera on your recreational vehicle can offer several benefits, including enhancing safety, convenience, and overall driving experience. Here are some advantages.
Article and video
Are 12-volt refrigerators worth the hype?
12-volt RV refrigerators are showing up in more new RVs, and it’s easy to see why. Duane, a certified RV inspector from the RV Inspection And Care channel, noticed them everywhere in new travel trailers at the Hershey RV show. With more brands switching over, RVers keep asking the same thing: Is this a smart upgrade, or just the latest trend?
Featured article
Truck and RV catalytic converter theft prevention
Catalytic converter theft has been a major problem for trucks and motorhomes over the last several years. In this video (and article), the folks from Endless RVing show you how to prevent this expensive and hassle-filled road problem. The video was made by a police officer who has seen the effects of catalytic converter theft firsthand. Continue reading and watch the video.
Ask Dave
Can different type and age RV batteries be mixed? Can I add a lithium battery?
*See Dave at the Chicago RV Show this weekend. More info here.
This is the #1 best-selling book on Amazon right now, and we can tell you from experience, there’s a reason it’s #1. Two simple words could change your life, or how you approach life, at least. Trust us, it works. See it here.
You may have missed these recent popular stories…
- The easiest way to find a quality campground or RV park nearby
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- Motorhome carrying 15 overturns in Florida, raising safety questions
- Fact or fiction: Are all RV keys really the same?
- 2026 r-pod Un•Mapped 22RB—redefines r-pod trailers
- The best New Year’s resolution tips for RVers
Reader poll (and article)
The history of the glove compartment: What’s in yours?
Quick tip
Battery drain culprits
Ever come back to your RV after it’s been sitting in storage only to find your battery dead? Small, parasitic loads can add up. Alarms that depend on house battery voltage, clocks in some appliances, the TV antenna amplifier (if left on). That, and you may find you accidentally forgot to turn off a light or two. How can you prevent this problem? Install a battery disconnect switch on your house battery. When you put the rig in storage, “open” the circuit with the disconnect switch. (Here’s a switch from Amazon.)
On this day last year…
- Tip: How to manage smelly dog odors in an RV
- Ask Dave: What is the rule of thumb for using RV roof vents?
- Article & video: Innovative van conversion with 12-volt mini split
Website of the day
Delicious canned tuna recipes
This might not be the most exciting website we’ve ever listed here, but we’re thinking there’s a good chance you have some canned tuna in your pantry right now. Are we right? Here are 31 delicious recipes for that tuna, so get to cookin’!
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Okay, so… tell us why every single RVer doesn’t have one of these in their RV or tow vehicle?! It can be used for so many things! Just please don’t drive distracted…
Trivia
Ohhh, say can you seeeeeee…. See if you can guess which country has the longest national anthem. It’s Greece! The Greek National Anthem, known as “Hymn to Liberty,” is so long that it’s rarely sung from start to finish. The anthem is actually a poem written by Dionysios Solomos and it’s 158 stanzas long! When Nikolaos Mantzaros put the poem to music, he wrote two scores: one for the full poem and one for the first two stanzas, which is usually the part that’s sung in public.
Readers’ pets of the day
“Meet Sadie Rose and Jimmy (Great Dane and Goldendoodle, ages 9 and 3) in one of their favorite spots! They are both great travelers and have no trouble at all ‘relaxing’ away from home.” —Vicki Lunceford
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! It costs a small fortune to visit Disneyland. But a day’s drive north in Santa Cruz, admission is free to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, with many free entertainment options including Friday night movies on the beach. Or buy a ticket for the 106-year-old Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster. In 1987, the Giant Dipper was honored as a National Historic Landmark.
Leave here with a laugh
If a cow doesn’t produce milk, is it a milk dud or an udder failure?
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RVtravel.com All-Star Team
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Why am I asked if I’m a robot every time I open rvtravel.com?
Thanks for posting the catalytic convertor anti thief device!!
About today’s trivia, most don’t know this countries national anthem is longer that we hear. There are 4 verses but we only hear the first one sung. I recommend looking it up and listening to the full version.
Boy, would that delay the start of a football game!!
The full story and all four verses (in print)
https://www.flagstoreusa.com/resources/flag-histories/the-star-spangled-banner/
Mystery product!
There are enough distracted drivers without giving them a lunch counter.
Sadie Rose and Jimmy couldn’t look more comfortable! Thanks for sharing
If a cow doesn’t produce milk it’s a bull
In addition to insurance documents and owners’ manuals, I keep a small notebook in my glovebox to track my fuel purchases and fuel efficiency.
Sadie Rose and Jimmy look very comfortable and are both gorgeous. Glad to see they are both great camping assistants.